Nation at “orange” threat alert
The U.S. Office of Homeland Security, in conjunction with the FBI, recently raised the national threat alert to orange, or high risk. According to a White House publication, this indicates a “high risk of terrorist attacks,” with risk including both probability and gravity.
At U-M, Department of Public Safety (DPS) Director William Bess urges the campus community to be vigilant and observant of anything that might be suspicious, and report those observations immediately to DPS by calling 911 from a campus phone, or (734) 763-1131.
“Please be assured that DPS, Occupational Safety and Environmental Health, the hospital, Plant Operations and others are working together to coordinate efforts for emergency preparedness,” Bess says. “Plans are being reviewed, staff are alert to safety and security issues and emergency response protocols have been established.”
Specific actions DPS suggests for the campus community include: 1) careful monitoring of sensitive areas, including reporting suspicious and unauthorized persons; 2) securing building maintenance areas and loading docks; and 3) immediate reporting to DPS of suspicious or unattended packages, containers or vehicles; signs of break-ins or attempted unauthorized entries; or unusual odors or substances.
Counselor charged with sexual assault
A 29-year-old Wayne man has been charged with sexual assault in connection with an incident at Arbor Heights. Ryan Maxwell, an employee at the youth detention home, waived his preliminary hearing Feb. 12. He is charged with one count of third-degree criminal sexual conduct for allegedly having sex with a juvenile resident. Additional charges from other jurisdictions are pending. A pre-trial hearing is scheduled for March 25.
Pedestrian brushed by car
A U-M staff member reported Jan. 15 that he had been slightly hit by a moving car as he walked across Hill Street. Though the pedestrian and driver also reportedly engaged in a shoving match, no one was injured. DPS continues to investigate the incident.
Eight burglaries reported
Five students reported thefts of personal belongings from residence hall rooms in January. Three additional campus burglaries also were reported.
Students reported thefts from South Quad of an Mcard Jan. 3 and personal property Jan. 7. Three burglary reports were filed Jan. 22 of purses from Mosher-Jordan and from Alice Lloyd as well as a wallet from West Quad. No signs of forced entry were observed with any of the incidents.
Additionally, $30 was reported stolen Jan. 13 from a cash box in Bursley Hall. Staff members from an office in Medical Science II reported Jan. 11 that property in their office had been disturbed, but nothing was taken.
Two 17-year-old males were arrested Jan. 27 after they were found inside Michigan Stadium after hours. Anatoli Zubryckyj and Jon McCoy were charged with breaking and entering and possession of burglar’s tools. At their preliminary exam Feb. 5, they both pleaded guilty to miscellaneous destruction of property and are scheduled for sentencing March 25.
Trespassers removed from CCRB
DPS officers arrested three males and removed eight additional trespassers during special patrols of the Central Campus Recreation Building in January. None of the 11 people was affiliated with the University or authorized to be in the building.
Hospital thief in jail
A 63-year-old Ann Arbor man remains in jail on larceny charges after he was found in the Maternal and Child Health Center with a purse that had been reported stolen Jan. 29. A March 25 trial has been scheduled for Donald Gibson.
In other court action …
Joseph Robinson, who had pleaded no contest Jan. 6 to two felony charges in connection with an assault Aug. 17 near the Law Quad, received a sentence Feb. 6 of 9 1/2 to 20 years in jail.
The four people arrested in connection with several December armed robberies on North Campus are scheduled for a pre-trial hearing March 17. They remain in jail.
View a pdf version of the January Ann Arbor Campus crime map>
