By Rebecca A. Doyle
Bursley Residence Hall evacuated for fire
Department of Public Safety (DPS) officers helped evacuate residents of Bursley’s Hamilton House on March 29 after smoke in the hallway of the second floor prompted a call for help. Officers and fire officials evacuated the building and found a computer closet was the source. Damage to the computer equipment is estimated at more than $10,000.
There were no injuries reported and students were allowed to re-enter the building after only half an hour, according to DPS Deputy Director James Smiley. The electrical fire was determined to be accidental.
Grass fire keeps DPS, AAFD busy
A grass fire that covered about three acres of land at the corner of Huron Parkway and Hubbard St. had residents in the area worried April 5 and kept firefighters from the Ann Arbor Fire Department (AAFD) busy with hoses while DPS officers helped direct rush hour traffic around the area.
The cause of the fire is unknown and there is no damage estimate at this time.
Man arrested on four counts of criminal sexual conduct
DPS officers arrested a man not affiliated with the University for his alleged consensual sexual relationship with a 15-year-old resident at the Arbor Heights facility. Arbor Heights is a state residential facility for juveniles and part of the state’s juvenile correction system. Although it is not a University building, it is on University property.
The four alleged offenses took place March 6–9 and were reported March 10. The man, who was employed by the state of Michigan, is currently out on bond and a preliminary examination is scheduled in 15th District Court May 3. If convicted, he could receive up to a life sentence in prison.
LCD projector missing from Tappan Hall
DPS officers are searching for information about the disappearance of an LCD projector valued at $9,500 that was reported missing from classroom 180, Tappan Hall. The report was filed April 10 and noted that the projector had last been seen at 4 p.m. April 6.
DPS has no suspects in the case and encourages anyone with information about the projector’s disappearance to call (734) 763-1131.
Cars, bus shelter vandalized
Windows were broken in a bus shelter and several cars were damaged at the NW44 surface parking lot (Northwood IV apartments) on North Campus April 8. Smiley said that vandals most likely were in the area about 6 a.m. License plates were damaged, a motorcycle was tipped over, several cars were scratched with keys and an antenna was removed.
Smiley says there are no suspects in the case and DPS officers would like to hear from anyone who saw suspicious individuals or vehicles near the Northwood IV lot. If you have information, call DPS at (734) 763-1131.
Investigation of death nears end
DPS officers are close to concluding their investigation into the March 28 death of Kurt Zimmer. The preliminary report from the Washtenaw County medical examiner indicated the cause of death was a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
“Our investigation has found no inconsistency with what the medical examiner concluded,” Smiley says. He expects the investigation will be concluded before the end of the month.
Skateboarder may be charged
A skateboarder who allegedly tried to run down the staff member who reported him to DPS may be charged with aggravated assault. On March 14 at about 8 p.m., a staff member at the Business School confronted three youths who were skateboarding on the Kresge Business Library plaza. The staff member, who is the facility monitor, called DPS to report that the three would not leave.
The skateboarders then allegedly jumped into a car and drove toward the staff member.
DPS officers are still investigating the report and have spoken with several witnesses.
Man accused of aggravated assault
Two male staff members at the North University Building (NUBS) were arguing and the verbal spat became physical when one allegedly pushed the other. The victim called DPS and reported the assault. Officers took statements from both men and are continuing to investigate the case.
