Victims bound during robbery at medical marijuana clinic in downtown Ann Arbor, police say

Posted on Fri, Oct 1, 2010 : 11:38 a.m.

Victims bound during robbery at medical marijuana clinic in downtown Ann Arbor, police say

By Lee Higgins

As three men were robbing a medical marijuana clinic in downtown Ann Arbor, binding the people inside with duct tape, two police officers rushed in and confronted them, Police Chief Barnett Jones said.

The men — two armed with guns — stole cash and marijuana during the Thursday evening robbery and refused to go down without a fight, Jones said.

In the end, six officers responded, taking all three suspects into custody before they left the building, police said.

A witness cracked the glass door trying to run out during a Thursday night robbery, police said. - Angela Cesere | AnnArbor.com

"The officers did great work," Jones said. "They had to fight with suspects they knew were armed. They were able to control them, detain them and unarm them without any shots being fired."

None of the victims, officers or suspects reported injuries after the 8 p.m. robbery at Liberty Clinic in the 200 block of South Main Street, Jones said. At least four men and women were bound with duct tape.

A total of seven people, including an employee, were inside when the robbery occurred an hour before the clinic was to close, police said.

"One of the victims had her whole head and face taped, which included her hair," Jones said.

A witness who called 911 to report the robbery cut his arm, but it's unclear whether he received medical attention. He cracked a glass door as he ran out of the building, police said. Officers responded to the scene within minutes of receiving that call, Jones said.

A fourth man found inside the building was arrested on outstanding warrants, Jones said, but has not been linked to the robbery.

The three robbery suspects are from Milan, Detroit and Hamtramck. They were taken to the Washtenaw County Jail. So far, no charges have been filed as detectives continue to investigate.

Liberty Clinic opened in February and is being run as a non-profit caregiver collective network, which enrolls both registered patients and caregivers as members. As of June, the clinic had 1,200 members and more than 100 caregivers. In August, the City Council approved a four-month moratorium on new medical marijuana dispensaries to come up with zoning regulations for them.

Jones said he is not aware of any other robberies at medical marijuana clinics in the city.

Ann Arbor City Attorney Stephen Postema said his office will continue to investigate several issues surrounding medical marijuana clinics, but declined to elaborate.

Lee Higgins covers crime and courts for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached by phone at (734) 623-2527 and e-mail at leehiggins@annarbor.com.

Comments

Nimbus

Sun, Oct 3, 2010 : 8:55 a.m.

@BigB "But take a break one afternoon this week and go sit outside at Cafe Felix and enjoy a beer." Hahahahaha. Yeah, go sit out on the sidewalk on a sunny afternoon and enjoy an intoxicating beverage while you scrutinize all the folks legally procuring a couple of grams of marijuana. You don't find this a bit hypocritical?

eCoaster

Sat, Oct 2, 2010 : 3:57 p.m.

With all of the "planning" that the City does around development, zoning, etc, I don't understand how a marijuana dispensary could open up in a downtown office building without some sort of monitoring or security in place. City Council needs to be more proactive about setting guidelines for safe dispensaries, rather than just passing moratoriums on new ones. This is a problem they could have anticipated!

Sat, Oct 2, 2010 : 11:37 a.m.

Awakened - The article says 6 officers ended up responding in total. jimmymac - Are you always able to detect people who are "sick" by looking at them? Are you aware of which conditions marijuana is prescribed for? My grandmother is one of the patrons, but it would make sense if the crowd was indeed younger in general since the population around the place is a lot of college aged people. You don't need to be elderly to have an ailment that would warrant the use of medical marijuana. Stereotyping the sick will not do a single person any good, including yourself.

Erich Jensen

Sat, Oct 2, 2010 : 11:36 a.m.

Wow, open a month and a robbery!...Chelsea is making the right decision about banning the clinics...well what do you think now, Ann Arbor and Ann Arborites?

BobbyJohn

Sat, Oct 2, 2010 : 10:09 a.m.

Kudos to the officer who did their jobs well. And Huge thanks to the citizen who took action to help the officers. BUT, assuming the patient who escaped the clinic and called 911 said there were 3 armed robbers, it is EXTREMELY concerning that only 2 officers were available. Could A2.com please investigate this. If everything was reported accurately, this could have been a bloodbath if the bystander hadn't helped out.

Awakened

Sat, Oct 2, 2010 : 9:23 a.m.

I am concerned that with multiple armed people robbing a store (three as it turned out)AAPD can only muster two officers to respond. I thank the citizen who helped with the third. If he hadn't we might have been reading about dead officers. Cut the spending on dumb stuff and KEEP public safety jobs!

chelseamom

Sat, Oct 2, 2010 : 8:06 a.m.

Hmmm, seems to me everyone was hard on Chelsea City Council for trying to prevent a marijuana clinic in our city, just a few days ago on this website. Now, many of the posters here are complaining about the crime in A2 as well as an observation that many of the clients of the clinic appear healthy. I have to agree great job AAPD.

jimmymac

Sat, Oct 2, 2010 : 5:52 a.m.

@kathyrnhahn - I am sure a few benefit from the medical marijuana. Probably about 10%? The rest are recreational users. I was eating brunch at Cafe Felix one Saturday AM and the constant stream of people entering the clinic didn't look very sick to me, mainly young people wanting their pot fix.

seeallevil

Sat, Oct 2, 2010 : 12:28 a.m.

This place is nothing but a FRONT for the HEAD RING LEADER Jim "Chainsaw" to sell POUNDS of marijuana and other ILLEGAL DRUGS!!! They are so rude and nasty and dont care if you really need it for your medical needs. Non-Profit HA! Maybe there is a new name for non-profit. How about "Padding his Pockets"!!! He is in for the BIG money and in his words "This is how I roll"! Nice!!! The Ann Arbor PD should of raided this place and other places he has a long time ago. Ann Arbor needs to really check the back grounds of who they let in there town. This RUDE nasty RING LEADER has already served time in PRISON 4 yrs for laundering DRUGS and brags to everyone about it!!! Liberty Clinic owned by a FELON...NICE!!!! ***** Come on Ann Arbor PD...get with it...hit this place and his other places and you just might get the MOTHER LOAD!!!!!**** Than we can say Great Job AAPD!!!!!

seeallevil

Sat, Oct 2, 2010 : 12:26 a.m.

KathrynHahn

Fri, Oct 1, 2010 : 10:59 p.m.

I'm getting really tired of people thinking medical marijuana is "just an excuse for potheads" to score dope and get high. I am in some level of pain at every moment through the day. Marijuana relives the muscle spasms that keep me from being able to sleep, and I use ibuprofen during the rest of the day. I don't like being "stoned" and am glad I can use a minimal amount right before going to sleep, and unlike the narcotics the Dr.'s had me on for years (Vicodin, muscle relaxers) the noticable effects of marijuana wear off within hours, while the pills leave me groggy and feeling unsafe to work or drive unless I can sleep 8 or 9 hours (hard to do when you work full time, too). Not to mention the Vicodin is far more addictive and dangerous to my body used on a long term basis.

Tom Joad

Fri, Oct 1, 2010 : 6:05 p.m.

Dope heads. This could have turned brutally deadly.

Big B

Fri, Oct 1, 2010 : 4:48 p.m.

@A22Ypsi: Yes, you caught me, I was being a bit flip. In the ultimate in convenience, I believe that those seeking a prescription will find said licensed doctor just across the hallway from Liberty Clinic. Agreed that you can't simply look at someone and know their situation. And I'm all for medical marijuana to help people with legitimate health concerns. But take a break one afternoon this week and go sit outside at Cafe Felix and enjoy a beer. Then keep count of the number of giddy college age kids and groups of young adults that come bounding out of the building overjoyed with the contents of their recent purchase. No you can't always judge a book by its cover... but if that was true all the time then books wouldn't have covers. Should probably get back to the point of this article. Liberty Clinic is essentially a pharmacy and would do well to implement security measures that let them see who's coming and control who gets in with some sort of access system. Since they're in an office building with other tenants and not a more traditional retail layout we'll see how that goes. Nice work to AAPD.

AAbob43

Fri, Oct 1, 2010 : 4:34 p.m.

By the by, no doubt the police did a good job here. That said, they could not have done their job had the patron not sounded the alarm. I support legal distribution of pot. However, until it becomes more available and less expensive, its value will remain high (no pun there.) That will attract thieves. One does wonder at the security features in effect at this dispensary. One might say "geeze, this is on Main Street in Ann Arbor; it's safe!" But the facts of this situation and the recent jewelry store robbery (was it not Schlanderers' about next door?) say otherwise. There may be a need for more security than at your average CVS. That may not be as it should be, but presently, it seems to be true.

RoboLogic

Fri, Oct 1, 2010 : 4:32 p.m.

Great outcome! I want to hear more about the suggestion that one of the victims was able to free himself and turn the tables on one of the perps. while waiting for more (than 2) officers to arrive. AAPD wins again.

AAbob43

Fri, Oct 1, 2010 : 4:28 p.m.

I was dining at the Blue Tractor on Washington Street last night, and noticed intense police activity at around 8:15 or 8:30 or so?? Why doesn't the story indicate what time this foiled heist occurred? "Thursday evening" is fairly non-specific.

actionjackson

Fri, Oct 1, 2010 : 4:07 p.m.

@ Matt Davidson...see ya. Definitely more security in a private form is necessary for a business that is cash only and has an inventory that is easy to sell on the street. Good going AA police.

A22Ypsi

Fri, Oct 1, 2010 : 3:58 p.m.

@Big B: Fortunately, qualification for medical marijuana is determined by a licensed doctor, not an uninformed spectator making judgments based only on external appearance and physical capabilities. You can not tell whether any patient walking up those stairs has cancer, AIDS, glaucoma, insomnia, or loss of appetite resulting from treatment for another condition. Further, I doubt that you stand outside of CVS or Walgreens checking which pharmaceuticals are being dispensed to each patient there. Surely a customer that can make it into the store isn't in so much pain that he needs to take harmful, addictive manufactured drugs with side effects, like Vicodin or Oxycontin?

Big B

Fri, Oct 1, 2010 : 3:41 p.m.

The test for who really needs medical marijuana for pain should be who can't get up and down the 25 steps to get to Liberty Clinic's 2nd floor, no elevator, location. Agree completely with @StephenLandes and @AtticusF about security. A buzzer, video entry, something besides two unlocked doors.

Atticus F.

Fri, Oct 1, 2010 : 3:22 p.m.

Stephen lands, I disagree with part of your statement. I believe any business that has alot of cash is a target for these type of people. When you say they were after drugs, you are promoting the worn out, quasi-racist stereotype of the drug crazed maniac...I didn't think there were people still left in this world that were gulible enough to believe that. I do however agree with you that these places should have some sort of security measure, such as a buzzer to let people into the place.

UgottaBkidding

Fri, Oct 1, 2010 : 3:17 p.m.

Hmmm...I do not support those medical marijuana clinics...it's just an excuse to smoke pot and try to legitimize it...that was kind of a violent robbery with a real potential for escalating into something worse. Maybe we should reconsider these so-called "clinics" given the potential liability.

Stephen Landes

Fri, Oct 1, 2010 : 3:03 p.m.

@dogpaddle and @Murrow The clinics are certainly not responsible for being robbed, however they do need to realize that drugs and cash in the same place are going to be a very attractive target. At least jewelry stores have installed alarms and other measures to limit as much as possible the likelihood of their being targeted. We are very fortunate that no one was seriously injured in this instance. Our police officers seem to have done a great job (I only qualify that assessment because I have no data other than this article to base it on), but they were certainly at risk. I suggest a strong preventive program be developed between the clinic owners and local police to identify and implement the best safety measures possible and make sure potential criminals know that these clinics won't be easy targets.

dogpaddle

Fri, Oct 1, 2010 : 2:23 p.m.

I agree with the ghost of Murrow. If any one here thinks the clinics caused the robbery (which is almost as stupid as blaming a snazzy dresser for getting assaulted), then let's also blame jewelry stores for having enticing merchandise and closing them down or have we forgotten the recent robbery of the jewelry store downtown during the summer? And as long as we're at it, let's ban pizza delivery people trying to earn a living with a flexible schedule as they are sitting targets (or driving and parking targets).

GoblueBeatOSU

Fri, Oct 1, 2010 : 1:58 p.m.

yep these "medical marijuana clinics" sure are working out well. We don't have these problems at the hash bash......do we?

PSJ

Fri, Oct 1, 2010 : 1:57 p.m.

Kudos to AAPD. Armed robbery convictions should result in life in prison.

Long Time No See

Fri, Oct 1, 2010 : 1:53 p.m.

Thank you AAPD for doing a great job in a dangerous and difficult situation. Maybe the city's new rules should include a requirement for private security at these clinics in order to discourage robberies?

Lokalisierung

Fri, Oct 1, 2010 : 1:15 p.m.

"That's some fine police-work there Lou." Ha. I usually don't go out of my way to praise people foir doing their jobs personally, but when guns & innocents are invloved it's needed.

Sueder

Fri, Oct 1, 2010 : 1:12 p.m.

@ glimmertwin When you have a gun pointed at your face and your life threatened, your emotions & adrenalin takes over dramatically.

Forever27

Fri, Oct 1, 2010 : 12:57 p.m.

"The officers did great work," Jones said I know this is a serious situation, but when I read this line all I could think about was The Simpsons' Chief Wiggum: "That's some fine police-work there Lou." In all seriousness though, I'm glad that the police were able to take care of the situation in a quick and safe manner.

matt davidson

Fri, Oct 1, 2010 : 12:53 p.m.

Ann Arbor has become WAY more dangerous and violent than Detroit. These potheads have gotten out of control. I'm moving back to the Big D where I can walk the streets safely.

Atticus F.

Fri, Oct 1, 2010 : 12:52 p.m.

@win, you seem to be having trouble distinguishing between people who are using cannabis recreationally, and those who are using it for medical reasons... It seems you are also having trouble distinguishing between people who are breaking the law, and those who are not. Although I'm sure you would just assume lock up the people who aren't breaking the law in order to enforce your own personal beliefs.

win

Fri, Oct 1, 2010 : 12:44 p.m.

hilarious!! three people arrested for robbing people who provide drugs to the community. I bet the robbers were going to do the same thing. sell the weed to the community!

iCraig

Fri, Oct 1, 2010 : 12:43 p.m.

There is a lesson to be learned in all of this... Ricebrnr/Dading, help me out here.

glimmertwin

Fri, Oct 1, 2010 : 12:39 p.m.

>> He got the tape loose and ended up kicking the snot out of one of the guys. This individual must have been there for chronic pain. How amazing that he was able to overcome it long enough to manage to overcome his agony to do this"? Because he is obviously doing so well, I would think his physician would see that he no longer needs a script for reefer to help him along.

Belgium

Fri, Oct 1, 2010 : 12:12 p.m.

I love the fact that the AAPD are defending people selling the herb. We've come a long way, Ganja Baby.

matt davidson

Fri, Oct 1, 2010 : 12:11 p.m.

Ann Arbor has become WAY more dangerous and violent than Detroit. These potheads have gotten out of control. I'm moving back to the Big D where I can walk the streets safely.

LiberalNIMBY

Fri, Oct 1, 2010 : 12:06 p.m.

OK, class: Lots of cash + expensive merch + zero security = ________ And did you catch the line about the cops happening to nab a customer "on outstanding warrants" while they were there? It's a crime honeypot, Pooh! Excellent job by the alert customer and AAPD.

tomnspats

Fri, Oct 1, 2010 : 11:54 a.m.

glad I live in a city where the police force is able to respond in such a timely manner

Sueder

Fri, Oct 1, 2010 : 11:50 a.m.

One of the patrons that was in the clinic, picking up his meds, helped. He got the tape loose and ended up kicking the snot out of one of the guys. There were 3 robbers in the clinic but only 2 officers. So homeboy took care of the 3rd guy till the cops detained the others. Nice work 'Sir B'

Ignatz

Fri, Oct 1, 2010 : 11:40 a.m.

I bet the Twinkie baited trap at the door held them up until AAPD got there. Great job, officers!

Lokalisierung

Fri, Oct 1, 2010 : 11:17 a.m.

You boys are gunna do 9+ years for trying to steal some reefer? Pathetic! Good work AAPD.

Kathy Griswold

Fri, Oct 1, 2010 : 11:12 a.m.

Based on the article and Chief Jones comments, the police did an amazing job. We are extremely fortunate to have such capable, professional police officers.

a2grateful

Fri, Oct 1, 2010 : 11:10 a.m.

Bound with duct tape? I would have thought hemp rope...

Ricebrnr

Fri, Oct 1, 2010 : 11:08 a.m.

Nice going AAPD! The employees were very lucky!

Atticus F.

Fri, Oct 1, 2010 : 11 a.m.

Again, great job by the AAPD!