By JAMES MITCHELL
Sunday Times Newspapers
LINCOLN PARK — Two would-be home invaders who exchanged gunfire with a 69-year-old homeowner face multiple felony charges including attempted murder.
A preliminary examination of evidence against Xavier Markese Jones, 21, and Justin M. Acosta, 18, was held Tuesday in 25th District Court before Judge David Zelenak on charges of assault with intent to murder, armed robbery and first-degree home invasion. Jones was also charged with larceny of a firearm, felon in possession of a fiream and felony firearm.
Jones and Acosta were bound over to Wayne County Circuit Court. A preliminary arraignment is scheduled for Tuesday.
The two allegedly broke into a house in the 1400 block of Fort Park Boulevard about 9:40 a.m. Nov. 7.
The homeowner shot at the intruders. Gunfire was exchanged and the two suspects left the house.
The homeowner was not injured, and contacted police immediately after the two left.
Responding police were told that the suspects may have injured or cut themselves when they jumped through the windows. They were last seen running north through an alley.
Nearby patrol officers saw two men fitting the description walking on Howard Street. According to a police report, the suspects were detained for questioning and Acosta was seen to be bleeding from his hands. Jones also appeared injured with a large scrape on the side of his body.
During a pat-down search of the suspects, broken glass was found in Acosta’s clothing. The two were taken into custody after Acosta was taken for medical treatment.
At the station, Jones initially provided a false name to officers and processing was delayed.
“I am not telling you guys (anything),” Jones said. “I don’t know you and you don’t know me. Good luck. I can sit here forever.”
The two were held without bond and remained in custody awaiting Tuesday’s Circuit Court arraignment.
Jones was listed on the state Offender Tracking Information System as having absconded from parole in April after previous convictions for receiving and concealing stolen property and larceny.
(James Mitchell can be reached at [email protected].)