Michael Tatu of Independence Township, 23, was arraigned on charges of second-degree home invasion in connection with a Sept. 17 break-in in the 6000 block of Church Street in Clarkston.
Deputies from Independence Township Substation were dispatched to the 6000 block of Church Street, 4:25 p.m., Friday, Sept. 17.
Neighbors watched as Tatu rode a bicycle back and forth in front of the residence. They continued to watch as he approached the front of the house and began knocking on the front door and windows. When no one responded, he walked around to the rear of the residence, walking his bicycle with him, and witnesses called police.
Neighbors provided information on the suspect’s location to the first responding deputy, who, gun drawn, entered the home, found the suspect, and held him at gunpoint as other deputies arrived.
The homeowner, who was away but summoned neighbors, arrived and identified some of her jewelry the suspect had placed in a bag.
Tatu also had hand tools used to force open the rear door, rubber gloves, and a “heroin kit,” with spoon, syringes, and four pills.
Tatu was charged with one count of second degree home invasion, a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison and $3,000 fine. Drug charges are pending lab testing.
He was arraigned, Sept. 18, in 52-2 District Court, bond set at $25,000. He remains in Oakland County Jail pending preliminary exam.
His record includes two convictions for forgery and larceny of auto parts, both in Oakland County.