Police investigating street robberies
The Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Ann Arbor Police Department (AAPD) are investigating recent street robberies near campus. DPS issued a crime alert March 5 following reports of two incidents earlier that day.
In one incident, a male student told DPS he was walking along the 600 block of Monroe Street near South Quad at about 12:30 a.m. when he was approached by a dark car.
After the car stopped near him, a male passenger exited the vehicle and asked for his money. The suspect then brandished a dark, semi-automatic handgun. The student explained that he didn’t have any money and gave the suspect his cell phone.
The two suspects fled in the car, described as a two-door, boxy sedan, possibly dark red in color, with a short trunk.
The suspect with the gun is described as a Black male with light complexion, about 5 feet 8 inches tall, 170 pounds with short dark hair. He was last seen wearing baggy pants. The second suspect is described as a Black or Hispanic male with light complexion, 5 feet 8 inches to 6 feet tall, 180 pounds with long, dark, curly hair.
About 20 minutes later, the AAPD responded to a robbery report in the 800 block of Arch Street. Three females reported two men with a handgun had robbed them of their purses. The descriptions of the suspects and car were very similar to the campus incident.
Police encourage anyone with information about these incidents or suspects to call DPS at (734) 763-1131 or the AAPD at (734) 994-2875.
Additionally, police are warning pedestrians to be cautious of vehicles that stop nearby. They suggest walking in the opposite direction or into a nearby building or house.
North Campus car thefts stop after arrest
Arthur James, 21 of Detroit, was arraigned March 3 on two charges of auto theft as well as two unrelated misdemeanors.
Five cars were reported stolen from North Campus parking lots in February. The door locks and ignitions had been damaged on all five cars, which were recovered and returned to owners. James was arrested March 2.
Bond was set at $15,000 cash, though he also is facing other charges in AAPD cases. His preliminary exam is scheduled for March 15.
Two domestic disputes lead to police reports
A 20-year-old student has been charged with domestic assault after his girlfriend fell into a window. The suspect reportedly pushed the woman during a dispute in the Stockwell Hall lobby Feb. 12 and she fell, shattering a door window.
She sought medical treatment for non-life threatening injuries at the University Hospital emergency room. His trial is scheduled for March 16.
In an unrelated incident, a Betsey Barbour resident told DPS officers that her boyfriend had taken her car without permission. While the two had been arguing Feb. 3, the boyfriend grabbed the woman’s car keys and left. He returned the car to her the next morning. She refused to press charges and the case has been closed.
DPS investigates assault report
An employee informed DPS that a co-worker had threatened a third employee with a pair of scissors. Police interviews could not corroborate the allegation and the victim did not want to press charges. The case has been closed.
Security officer struck by car
A hospital security officer reported that she had been bumped Feb. 16 by a car driven by an uncooperative hospital visitor.
The 70-year-old suspect reportedly had parked his vehicle in an unauthorized area while making a delivery. When the security officer attempted to warn the driver, he reportedly backed up his car, striking the officer who was standing near the rear bumper. She was not injured.
The prosecutor’s office declined to file any arrest charges and the case has been closed.
