The University Record, July 16, 1997
By Rebecca A. Doyle
Alleged kidnapper in custody after six-day search
Department of Public Safety (DPS) officers, Hospitals security and the Michigan State Police worked together to affect the arrest of a man who allegedly abducted his estranged wife from a staff parking structure July 9. Donald Dean Reeds Jr., whose employment at University Hospitals was terminated in November, was arrested Monday (July 14) on charges of kidnapping and assault with intent to murder. Each charge is punishable by up to a life prison term.
DPS Capt. James Smiley says Reeds abducted his estranged wife at knifepoint and transported her in his car trunk to a wooded area in Pittsfield Township, where he bound her to a tree. She escaped and reported the incident to Saline police. DPS officers joined the Michigan State Police Fugitive Team and the canine unit from the Michigan State Police post in Ypsilanti at Reeds’ Saline home, where he surrendered without resistance.
Reeds was transported to the Washtenaw County Jail and an arraignment was scheduled there for 1:30 p.m. July 15. No bond had been set at Record press time. Reeds also was scheduled to appear in court today (July 16) on previous felony charges of carrying a concealed weapon and assault with a deadly weapon.
Cell phone calls lead to arrest
A male staff member was arrested June 26 on charges of breaking and entering a vehicle. He allegedly stole a cellular phone from the vehicle and made calls to some of his friends. DPS officers traced the calls and arrested the man when he turned in the phone and said he had found it. Felony charges are pending in 15th District Court.
Air bag thefts continue
Smiley says that thefts of air bags from parked vehicles continue to be a problem. The bags are worth up to $1,000 and are removed as easily as other equipment such as stereos and car radios. Two thefts of air bags were reported to DPS last week. Smiley urges drivers to lock their cars and park in lighted, populated areas. Anyone with information about the rash of air bag thefts is asked to call the DPS Detective Bureau, 764-8559.
Summer safety reminders
When warmer weather prompts University employees to open windows and let the breezes in, make sure you avoid an unpleasant surprise the next morning by closing ground floor windows before you leave work for the day, notes Smiley.
Vacation time is here for many University employees. If you are leaving home for some time, ask your postal carrier to hold your mail or make arrangements for a neighbor to pick it up for you. Don’t leave messages on your answering machine telling everyone you are out of town. Make arrangements to have lawn care done regularly so that your house does not appear empty.
Other safety tips are noted in the Campus Safety Handbook, available from DPS, 763-3434.
