Quick action averts car theft
A 37-year-old male, not affiliated with the University, was charged with breaking and entering a motor vehicle, a felony punishable by up to five years in prison, and attempted unlawful driving away of an automobile, a felony punishable by up to two years in prison, after entering and attempting to steal an automobile in Fletcher carport July 20. At approximately 12:30 a.m., the owner of the car approached her vehicle and saw a man inside. She walked past the car and used an emergency phone to call DPS. Officers responded to the scene. The suspect had left the vehicle, but officers located him near the School of Dentistry, where they apprehended him. A preliminary exam was held on Aug. 2. The breaking and entering charge was dismissed, and the suspect agreed to plead guilty to a charge of attempted unlawful driving away of an automobile. He was remanded to the Wash-tenaw County Jail for sentencing, scheduled to occur Aug. 17.
This case is not related to the rash of car thefts noted in the following item.
Car thefts up
There was a noticable rise in car thefts during the summer, and DPS Capt. James Smiley reports they appear to be the result of a gang working out of Detroit. DPS averages one or two car thefts a month, but eight were reported during July and August. Popular automobiles such as four-wheel-drive vehicles and Mustangs appear to be the primary targets. DPS is working with the Washtenaw Area Auto Theft Team on these cases. Patrols have been beefed up in parking areas and Smiley advises drivers to keep their doors locked and to consider installing alarm and anti-theft devices.
Man pleads guilty in theft of sports clothing
Department of Public Safety (DPS) officers arrested a 24-year-old male, affiliated with the University, at approximately 10:30 p.m. July 13 after spotting him driving recklessly out of a University parking lot. The man had numerous duffel bags in his car that contained athletic clothing worth approximately $400 illegally removed from Schembechler Hall. In a statement to officers, the man said he took the clothing as a prank. He was arraigned on July 18 and was charged with larceny from a building, a felony punishable by up to four years in prison. The suspect was incarcerated at the Washtenaw County Jail, and a preliminary exam was scheduled for July 26 in the 15th District Court. At the preliminary hearing, the subject pleaded guilty to larceny under $100, which is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail. He was released on a personal recognizance bond while awaiting sentencing.
Theft of $9,000 laptop quickly resolved
A 22-year-old male, affiliated with the University, was arrested July 19 by DPS officers after he was seen removing a laptop computer worth approximately $9,000 from the computing center at the NUBS Building. DPS commends the staff at the center for assisting in identifying the suspect. The suspect removed the computer at 9:30 a.m. and was arrested shortly thereafter. He was charged with larceny from a building, a felony that is punishable by up to four years in prison. The subject posted bond on July 20 and was released. At the preliminary exam on Aug. 30, he was bound over to the Washtenaw County Circuit Court. The trial is set for Oct. 26.
Co-worker charged in assault complaint
A sexual conduct complaint was received July 19 at the Medical Science Research Building III. DPS officers identified a staff person who assaulted a coworker on July 11 and July 13. The suspect, a 39-year-old male, was charged on July 27 with criminal sexual contact 4, a felony that is punishable by up to two years in prison. He appeared that day in 15th District Court, pleaded not guilty and was released on personal bond. A preliminary exam was held on Aug. 16, at which the defendant agreed to plea guilty to attempted criminal sexual contact 4, a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail. Sentencing was to be held on Sept. 8.
DPS, Medical Center staff collaborate
DPS officers arrested a 26-year-old male, affiliated with the University, Aug. 1 after receiving a report March 23 about a staff member who was allegedly stealing controlled substances from Mott Children’s Hospital. During a routine inventory in March, the staff member’s supervisor discovered missing controlled substances between Feb. 20 and March 13. The supervisor contacted the Medical Center and DPS, and an investigation was opened. On Aug. 1, the suspect was arrested, processed and charged with false reporting of a controlled substance, a felony punishable by up to four years in prison. During the preliminary exam on Aug. 6, the suspect agreed to plead guilty to possession of a controlled substance less than 25 grams, a felony punishable by four years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 11 in Washtenaw Circuit Court.
You CAN help
A Confidential Assistance Network (CAN) tipline allows faculty, staff and students to anonymously report the theft, vandalism or arson of U-M property and receive a reward of up to $500.
CAN is patterned after Michigan State Police tiplines. Callers can report their name, address and phone number. Callers who wish to remain anonymous are given a four-digit number for identification.
If the information leads to the apprehension or conviction of individuals responsible for crimes noted above, the caller will be eligible for a reward. The CAN number is 1-800-863-1355.
