Police Blotter: Man Charged with Stealing Silver Arraigned

A 45-year-old Westland man is being held on $100,000 bond after being arraigned Thursday on charges he broke into a house into a house on the 800 block of University Place and stole items including silver serving pieces and electronics.

Arthur Williams appeared in Grosse Pointe Municipal Court in street clothes as he was arraigned on breaking and entering with intent to rob, larceny in a building and habitual offender charges. If convicted he could face up to life in prison.

He was apologetic at his arraignment, and returned the items he stole along with confessing to the crime. Williams also declined a court appointed attorney.

"I am representing myself," he said.

Judge Russell Ethridge appointed a stand-by attorney because of the seriousness of his charges.

"Your are facing a life felony, I am urging you to let me appoint an attorney for you, even if you don't want to listen to him," Ethridge said.

Williams is alleged to have conducted home maintenance work earlier this year on the home, and used a key he obtained during that project to break into the home on University Place.

As he was walking out of the home with items, an alert relative of the homeowner saw Williams and contacted the police, Grosse Pointe Police Det. Alan Gwyn said.

Williams will return to court on March 31 for a preliminary exam.