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State Senator Virgil Smith in Police Custody

Melissa Benmark

State Senator Virgil Smith (D-Detroit) is expected to be a no-show when the Senate gavels into session Tuesday. He remains in police custody following a weekend shooting incident outside his home. 

The Detroit News says Smith, according to a police report, acknowledged the shooting, and called it “the most stupid thing in his life.”

The Wayne County prosecutor is continuing the investigation and weighing whether to charge Smith with a felony, aggravated assault with a weapon, as well as a misdemeanor destruction of property charge.

If convicted of a felony, Smith would likely be forced to leave his Senate seat. He was elected to a second term last year. He is also the son of a Wayne County judge.

Smith is a Democrat, but has worked closely with Republicans to overhaul the state’s auto no-fault insurance law.

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