PONTIAC, Mich. – Oakland County Prosecutor KAREN D. McDONALD charged Joseph Edward Smith, a 21-year-old resident of Pontiac, with Carrying a Concealed Weapon and Reckless Use of a Firearm.

 

On May 5, the defendant parked in the lot belonging to HAVEN. He was then observed walking into the woods behind the Oakland County Jail. A drone captured video of the defendant wielding a rifle. The defendant also allegedly fired a round from a handgun. The defendant was arrested wearing camouflage and a tactical belt containing multiple boxes of ammunition. He claimed he was using the area for target practice and admitted the rifle was purchased on the street.

 

“This defendant’s alleged actions potentially endangered women and children recovering from abuse and trauma,” said Prosecutor McDonald. “Responsible gun owners know better than to recklessly fire rounds on a property near people and buildings.”

 

HAVEN is a non-profit organization that provides support to victims of sexual assault and domestic violence, including short-term housing on site for victims and their children.

 

“At HAVEN, the safety of our clients, staff, children, and community will always remain our highest priority,” said Christine Kinal, CEO of HAVEN. “We are profoundly grateful for the vigilance of our staff member, who trusted their instincts, paid attention to detail, and acted immediately. Their awareness and courage mattered, and this incident is an important reminder that when something feels wrong, speaking up matters. At HAVEN, if we see something, we say something.

 

“We are fortunate to operate in a community where collaboration between service providers and law enforcement is strong, responsive, and deeply committed to protecting others. We cannot thank our law enforcement partners enough for understanding the importance of the work happening at HAVEN every single day. Their response reinforced what we already know: our clients’ safety is valued, protected, and taken seriously. HAVEN is a place of healing, hope, and accountability. It is not a place to commit crime.”

 

Carrying a Concealed Weapon is punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a $2,500 fine, as well as mandatory forfeiture of weapons. Reckless Use of a Firearm is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail and/or a $500 fine.

 

Charges are accusations and individuals are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

 

 

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