Detroit man waives Preliminary Exam related to alleged incident at Henry Ford Hospital in Warren

Mount Clemens, Mich. – Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido announced that 31-year-old Walter Smith, of Detroit, waived his right to a Preliminary Exam on charges stemming from an incident at Henry Ford Hospital in Warren, Michigan in June 2026.

It is alleged that on June 3, 2026, Smith approached three nurses outside the hospital near the ambulance bay. He is further alleged to have brandished a firearm, threatened the employees, and ordered them not to move while demanding that his estranged girlfriend, also a hospital employee, come speak with him. When she did not comply with his demands, Smith allegedly fled the scene.

On Thursday, August 6, 2026, Smith appeared before Judge Steven Bieda in the 37th District Court for a scheduled Preliminary Exam. Smith waived his right to the Preliminary Exam and was bound over to the Macomb County Circuit Court for trial. He is scheduled to be arraigned before Judge Joseph Toia on Monday, August 24, 2026, at 1:30 p.m.

Smith is charged with the following offenses: 

• Weapons - Carrying Concealed, a 5-year felony
• Weapons - Firearms - Possession by Prohibited Person, a 5-year felony
• TWO COUNTS: Assault With A Dangerous Weapon (Felonious Assault), a 4-year felony
• THREE COUNTS:  Weapons Felony Firearm, each a 2-year felony, consecutive to other charges
• Weapons-Firearms-Brandishing In Public, a 90-day misdemeanor
• Operating - No License/Multiple Licenses, a 90-day misdemeanor
• Habitual Offender - Fourth Offense Notice, an aggravating sentencing factor.

These are the maximum criminal charges available based upon the evidence presented to date.

"No one should ever have to fear for their safety while at work. My office is committed to protecting the safety of our community," said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido. 

Smith is in being held at the Macomb County Jail on a $500,000 cash/surety bond.

The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office represents the People. We are committed to achieving justice and following the laws of the State of Michigan. All individuals who are accused of a crime are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

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