By Diane Brown
Facilities and Operations
Three crime alerts were issued by the Department of Public Safety (DPS) in the past month—a reported assault April 4 in West Quad, a reported robbery April 10 in front of Stockwell Hall and a reported strong-arm robbery May 4 on Mason Drive. Results from the investigation of the April 4 assault were to be submitted to the Washtenaw County prosecutor’s office in mid-May.
The two robberies still are being investigated. A male student reported April 10 that two men followed him from an ATM and approached him from behind near Stockwell Hall. One of the men reached into the victim’s pocket, removed his wallet and took his money. The victim described one of the robbers as a 6-foot-1-inch male, about 22, with stubble on his face and wearing baggy clothes. The other robber was described as 5 feet 9, 23–24, with short hair and a goatee.
The second assault was reported to have occurred at 8:30 a.m. May 4 on Mason Drive. The victim reported being approached by a person who demanded money. After telling him that she didn’t have any money, the robber grabbed her portable CD player and fled on foot. The thief was described as 5 feet 6–5 feet 8, age 18–21, 170–190 pounds, with a muscular build, short black hair and a faint mustache. Anyone with information regarding these incidents is encouraged to call DPS, (734) 763-3434, or the anonymous U-M Tip Line, (800) 863-1355.
Two fires in one morning
Two fires were reported April 26 on campus. At Arbor Lakes on Plymouth Road, three vehicles were damaged when a fire originated in the engine compartment of a pickup truck and spread to a neighboring car. Both vehicles were destroyed. A third vehicle sustained heat damage. The Ann Arbor Township Fire Department, which responded to the incident, believes the fire was accidental.
A few minutes later, the Ann Arbor Fire Department responded to a fire in the wooded area south of Bursley Hall. Approximately one-quarter acre was involved. While the cause of the fire is unknown, remains of a smoke bomb were found along the perimeter of the area.
Hash Bash incidents
The crowd for the annual Hash Bash April 7 was estimated to be 8,000–10,000. DPS officers arrested and/or ticketed 26 people, down from last year’s total of 56. None of the 26 were affiliated with the University, and only five had Ann Arbor addresses. Two of those arrested were charged with resisting and obstructing a police officer. Twenty-two of the 26 were arrested for violation of the Controlled Substance Act, or possession of marijuana.
Naked Mile incidents
DPS and Ann Arbor officers worked cooperatively several nights following the last day of classes to reduce participation in the Naked Mile. While crowds estimated at 7,000 people lined South University Avenue April 17, spectators saw few runners. Police officers approached people who had disrobed or were disrobing to remind them that it was unlawful to be naked in public. Twelve people—five of whom were U-M students—were arrested or cited, including five for indecent exposure and five for disorderly conduct. Information regarding four additional people was submitted to the prosecutor’s office, which authorized arrests for all indecent exposure complaints.
Another effort to run nude was attempted April 20–21, but officers from DPS and the Ann Arbor police intercepted potential participants before unlawful events occurred.
Michigan Stadium press box vandalized
Several areas of the Michigan Stadium press box were found vandalized April 20. Doors were damaged, and fire extinguishers were activated. DPS is continuing to investigate the incident.
