State Sen. Virgil Smith Arrested For Assault After 10 Shots Fired At Ex-Wife's Car
DETROIT (WWJ) - State Senator Virgil Smith has been arrested after allegedly firing numerous shots at his ex-wife's Mercedes-Benz.
Detroit Police Chief James Craig says they did find the gun used in the shooting over the weekend, outside Smith's Detroit home on Wexford Street, near 7 Mile and Ryan roads.
"Looking at the vehicle, it appears that the vehicle had what appeared to be 10 rounds fired into it, possibly," Craig said. "But, again, not going to go into the details because we're still in the investigation."
Smith and his ex-wife had recently been dating again, according to reports. She called 911 early Sunday morning about a domestic dispute. She was not injured.
At a news conference, reporters pressed Craig about allegations of domestic violence at Smith's home.
"We do know there were shots fired," Craig said. "We can't say, and I will not say, that the shots were fired by the senator. The were shots fired; there was some damage to a vehicle."
Craig said Smith, 36, has been talking with investigators.
"There were some other reports put out that we couldn't find him, maybe he wasn't cooperative. That is absolutely not true," Craig said.
Craig said Smith was in custody Monday morning, facing possible charges of aggravated assault with a gun and malicious destruction of property.
Later Monday, spokeswoman Maria Miller said no charges had yet been filed, and the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office was "returning the matter back to the Detroit Police Department requesting further investigation."
Craig acknowledged that this is a high-profile case, being that an elected official is accused.
"There was no special treatment given," Craig told WWJ City Beat Reporter Vickie Thomas. "Certainly we've been down this path before. I've taken a position that we following the numbers regardless of who was involved."
Smith, a Democrat, represents Michigan's fourth senate district, including portions of Detroit, Lincoln Park, Allen Park and Southgate.
