By Rebecca A. Doyle
Two local youths detained in connection with car theft
A 16-year-old man and a 19-year-old man are being held in connection with the theft of a 1999 Jeep Wrangler reported stolen Sept. 13. The two also are suspects in a number of breaking and entering of vehicles that have been reported at the Church Street parking structure over the past week. Department of Public Safety (DPS) officers recovered the vehicle and other property that matches descriptions of the missing items in several of last week’s reports.
Because of the reports last week, an increased patrol was made of the Church Street area, and officers were nearby when a caller reported suspicious behavior in the structure the following day. They were able to act quickly and apprehend the suspects.
The case was presented to the Washtenaw County Prosecuting Attorney’s office Sept. 15.
Three charged in armed robbery
Three men who are not affiliated with the University were arrested in connection with an Aug. 2 armed robbery near Randall Laboratory. All three were charged on one count of armed robbery and one count of conspiracy to commit robbery. On Aug. 16 the first suspect pled guilty to a lesser charge of larceny from a person, a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison. The other charges against him were dropped. He faces sentencing in October. The second suspect, who faced the same charges, pled guilty to a charge of unarmed robbery, a 15-year felony, and will be sentenced in Washtenaw County Circuit Court on Oct. 17. The third suspect faces armed robbery charges at a preliminary hearing on Oct. 13. If convicted, he could serve up to life in prison.
Man avoids injury, loses wallet
A man walking across the Diag near the Dana Building after midnight on July 23 reported to Department of Public Safety (DPS) officers that he heard a noise and looked behind him. He noticed a man carrying something that he thought was a bottle. He walked faster, but turned around again to see the man raising his arm as if to strike. He moved to avoid being hit, but sustained scrapes and bruises in the struggle that followed. He reported to DPS officers that his wallet was missing and that he had been attacked by a white male approximately 19 or 20 years of age who had dark brown hair and was wearing a baseball cap.
Officers are continuing to investigate the incident. The man’s injuries did not require medical treatment.
Arson reports up in August
A power pole, a kiosk and three newspaper vending boxes were all damaged in separate fires in August. DPS officers were called to locations on East University, Thayer and Hill streets and the Diag five times Aug. 11–21 to help extinguish small fires. Arson reports fell from a high of 11 in April to one incident in May and none in June or July. DPS Deputy Director James Smiley asks that anyone who sees someone start a fire call DPS officers at 763-1131 to report the incident.
Man pleads guilty to larceny in a building
On Aug. 9, a man who is not affiliated with the University pled guilty to a charge of larceny from a building following a July 26 incident at the Kresge Hearing Research Institute. Staff members in the building noticed a man with a pole and a bucket in an area of the building and did not recognize him as someone who belonged there. They reportedly observed him leaving with a paper bag and called DPS officers for help.
Man charged with home invasion
A man who is not affiliated with the University has been charged with unlawful entry, resisting an officer and malicious destruction of property following an Aug. 4 incident at Northwood IV housing.
A preliminary hearing scheduled for Aug. 16 has been postponed twice and is now slated for Oct. 25 pending an evaluation by the Michigan Bureau of Forensic Mental Health Services of the man’s competence to stand trial.
Several vehicles stolen from lots, structures
One vehicle was recovered after Toledo Police officers arrested a man driving a 1995 Ford Windstar in Toledo. The car was reported missing from the valet parking area at the University Hospital. Toledo officers called the University and reported that they had recovered the vehicle and had a suspect in custody. He has been charged with receiving and concealing stolen property and the case is being handled by the Toledo Police Department.
A 1996 Ford Explorer is still missing after it was reported stolen from the M15 lot at the Medical Center July 22. A 1997 Chevrolet Suburban also is still missing. It was reported stolen from the Thompson Street parking structure on July 10. DPS officers are still investigating the incidents.
Officers in Pittsfield Township recovered a University vehicle on July 30 and are looking for a white male, approximately 20 years of age, about 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing 160 pounds. The University vehicle was taken from Transportation Services.
