Wednesday, June 6 2012 8:18 PM EDT2012-06-07 00:18:26 GMT
A grieving father is speaking out not even two weeks after his son died from smoking Spice. He says the time is now for state lawmakers to take action.
A grieving father is speaking out not even two weeks after his son died from smoking Spice. He says the time is now for state lawmakers to take action, and he is urging you to get involved before this happens to another family.
Tuesday, June 5 2012 11:16 PM EDT2012-06-06 03:16:05 GMT
It's not just adults that want dangerous synthetic drugs gone for good. We spoke to a teen who also wants K2 banned.
It's not just adults that want dangerous synthetic drugs gone for good. We spoke to a teen who also wants K2 banned. This girl is a former classmate of Mitchell Young, one of the men accused in the deadly attack on a local family while he was allegedly high on K2.
Tuesday, June 5 2012 5:45 PM EDT2012-06-05 21:45:32 GMT
K2 Kops are now out in full force in Macomb County. Stores were put on alert Monday, warned if they sell the drug, they'll face consequences. Fox 2 followed Executive Mark Hackel during Tuesday's crackdown.
K2 Kops are now out in full force in Macomb County. Stores were put on alert Monday, warned if they sell the drug, they'll face consequences. Fox 2 followed Executive Mark Hackel during Tuesday's crackdown.
Tuesday, June 5 2012 5:44 PM EDT2012-06-05 21:44:12 GMT
The Wayne County Sheriff has established an anonymous 24-hour tip line where people can report stores in the county selling synthetic marijuana, otherwise known as K2 or Spice.
The Wayne County Sheriff has established an anonymous 24-hour tip line where people can report stores in the county selling synthetic marijuana, otherwise known as K2 or Spice.
Tuesday, June 5 2012 1:32 PM EDT2012-06-05 17:32:52 GMT
Port Huron is joining a growing list of Michigan communities working to ban the sale of so-called designer drugs. In a statement released on Tuesday, the Port Huron Police Department says it is "requesting
Port Huron is joining a growing list of Michigan communities working to ban the sale of so-called designer drugs. In a statement released on Tuesday, the Port Huron Police Department says it is "requesting
Monday, June 4 2012 11:18 PM EDT2012-06-05 03:18:49 GMT
K2 meets its match in Macomb County. The county is stepping up banning the sale of all versions of these synthetic drugs.
K2 meets its match in Macomb County. The county is stepping up banning the sale of all versions of these synthetic drugs. Now Executive Mark hackel wants the community to join the effort by becoming K2 Kops.
Sunday, June 3 2012 11:10 PM EDT2012-06-04 03:10:17 GMT
A Farmington Hills gas station puts out a sign claiming they don't sell K2. But a concerned customer contacted Fox 2 to say while that may be true, the store is still selling other versions of the synthetic drug.
A Farmington Hills gas station puts out a sign claiming they don't sell K2. But a concerned customer contacted Fox 2 to say while that may be true, the store is still selling other versions of the synthetic drug.
FRANKLIN, Mich. (WJBK) -
"He was just a beautiful, beautiful light in our lives, and now he's gone," said Larry Smith.
The tragedy is still so fresh, but speaking out about his son's death is so important for Smith as state lawmakers consider legislation to ban designer drugs like K2 and Spice, the stuff that killed 18-year-old Oliver Satchel Smith.
"It's Russian roulette -- you can smoke spice on many occasions and it might be a good or bad experience and you might smoke it one time and die."
On Saturday, May 26, a fisherman found Smith's lifeless body on the beach at Wing Lake in Bloomfield Township. The night before, Oliver had walked there from his nearby home, sat down and smoked some Spice.
"The next thing you know you're getting a phone call from a detective, and that, no one should have to go through that."
That is why Larry Smith is speaking out in hopes of saving someone else. If state lawmakers break for summer recess next week without banning designer drugs, he's afraid many more kids will end up like Oliver.
"It won't be Oliver on the front page, but it will be another family. It will be another brother not able to sleep. It will be grieving and suffering, and so you have to prevent that in any way you can."
Some counties are banning it. Some cities are creating ordinances, but the fact remains these synthetic drugs are still legal in the State of Michigan.
Right now, it's still on some store shelves or behind the counter if you ask for it.
"These people are dealing in death. You can't sugar coat this. They're dealing in death and tragedy and they're doing it now knowingly."
However, the state laws under consideration would make selling this stuff a four year felony. Larry Smith and his attorney, Scott Weinberg, want national legislation, but for now, a state law is a good start.
"It is an emergency. It's an emergency to call your representative, call your senator," said Weinberg. "They're the only ones right now that can make it illegal."
"It's important that they act now," Smith said. "It is important that this get done today."
Wednesday, May 22 2013 8:57 PM EDT2013-05-23 00:57:50 GMT
Prosecutors have now filed charges against Myron Williams, a next door neighbor to a woman found strangled in Grosse Pointe Park, but the counts do not include murder.
Prosecutors have now filed charges against Myron Williams, a next door neighbor to a woman found strangled in Grosse Pointe Park, but the counts do not include murder.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 8:38 PM EDT2013-05-23 00:38:51 GMT
Neighbors said he threatened them with a shotgun, then opened fire wounding two people. Now one of the victims has said he's angry the man accused of pulling the trigger is already out of jail.
Neighbors said he threatened them with a shotgun, then opened fire wounding two people. Now one of the victims has said he's angry the man accused of pulling the trigger is already out of jail.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 8:17 PM EDT2013-05-22 00:17:22 GMT
We are learning more about the past of the man currently in police custody in connection with the murder of 35-year-old Sabrina Gianino.
We are learning more about the past of the man currently in police custody in connection with the murder of 35-year-old Sabrina Gianino. 42-year-old Myron Williams is on probation in Michigan for a drug paraphernalia charge. He also has quite a past in Louisiana.
Monday, May 20 2013 7:30 PM EDT2013-05-20 23:30:05 GMT
There are new developments in the murder of a young woman in Grosse Pointe Park. Police have a person in custody in connection with the death of Sabrina Gianino, who was found strangled last week.
There are new developments in the murder of a young woman in Grosse Pointe Park. Police have a person in custody in connection with the death of Sabrina Gianino, who was found strangled last week.
Friday, May 17 2013 8:43 PM EDT2013-05-18 00:43:34 GMT
Sabrina Gianino was found dead with a cord around her neck inside a Grosse Pointe Park home early Thursday morning. The medical examiner has ruled her death a homicide.
Sabrina Gianino was found dead with a cord around her neck inside a Grosse Pointe Park home early Thursday morning. The medical examiner has ruled her death a homicide.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 1:36 PM EDT2013-05-22 17:36:39 GMT
Innuendo, sexual advances and an overnight stay in Lansing -- a politician's former aide claims he had to endure a nightmare on the job. Now a sexual harassment lawsuit has been filed against Rep. Brian Banks.
Innuendo, sexual advances and an overnight stay in Lansing -- a politician's former aide claims he had to endure a nightmare on the job. Now a sexual harassment lawsuit has been filed against Rep. Brian Banks.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 9:56 PM EDT2013-05-23 01:56:23 GMT
Children were literally screaming for peace. Elementary school students at Cesar Chavez Academy in southwest Detroit spoke out for themselves -- stop bullying and stop the violence.
Children were literally screaming for peace. Elementary school students at Cesar Chavez Academy in southwest Detroit spoke out for themselves -- stop bullying and stop the violence.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 6:46 PM EDT2013-05-22 22:46:26 GMT
Bugs are important to our environment and can even tell us about our water quality. That's why dozens on local students have been taking part in bug hunts.
Bugs are important to our environment and can even tell us about our water quality. That's why dozens on local students have been taking part in bug hunts.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:39 PM EDT2013-05-23 02:39:42 GMT
The Republicans in Lansing are pushing a new bill that would base teacher salaries on student performance. But will merit pay really help kids get a better education? Some say the answer is no.
The Republicans in Lansing are pushing a new bill that would base teacher salaries on student performance. But will merit pay really help kids get a better education? Some say the answer is no.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:07 PM EDT2013-05-23 02:07:10 GMT
13 dogs were rescued from a house on Ewers in southwest Detroit. The three most emaciated dogs were taken to the VCA in St. Clair Shores. They are being held in isolation for at least a week.
13 dogs were rescued from a house on Ewers in southwest Detroit. The three most emaciated dogs were taken to the VCA in St. Clair Shores. They are being held in isolation for at least a week and being treated and screened for diseases.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 8:57 PM EDT2013-05-23 00:57:50 GMT
Prosecutors have now filed charges against Myron Williams, a next door neighbor to a woman found strangled in Grosse Pointe Park, but the counts do not include murder.
Prosecutors have now filed charges against Myron Williams, a next door neighbor to a woman found strangled in Grosse Pointe Park, but the counts do not include murder.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 8:38 PM EDT2013-05-23 00:38:51 GMT
Neighbors said he threatened them with a shotgun, then opened fire wounding two people. Now one of the victims has said he's angry the man accused of pulling the trigger is already out of jail.
Neighbors said he threatened them with a shotgun, then opened fire wounding two people. Now one of the victims has said he's angry the man accused of pulling the trigger is already out of jail.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 1:44 PM EDT2013-05-22 17:44:18 GMT
Today at 2 p.m. 100 community leaders, union officials, concerned residents and Northwestern High School Alumni will protest the closure of the high school.
Today at 2 p.m. 100 community leaders, union officials, concerned residents and Northwestern High School Alumni will protest the closure of the high school.
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Larry Smith wants lawmakers to take action to ban Spice. (Credit: WJBK | myFOXDetroit.com)
Oliver Satchel Smith
