Ann Arbor credit union robbed this morning
Ann Arbor Police Chief Barnett Jones, right, confers with officers outside the Lake Trust Credit Union on Packard Street after it was robbed this morning.
Lon Horwedel | AnnArbor.com
Related: Ann Arbor police release surveillance photo of man who robbed Lake Trust Credit Union
A masked man walked into the Lake Trust Credit Union on Packard Street in Ann Arbor this morning, ordered everyone to the floor at gunpoint and escaped with a trash bag containing cash, city police said.
Police Lt. Renee Bush said it's not clear whether the incident is related to the robbery of a Bank of America, also on Packard Street, almost exactly a week ago.
In this morning's robbery, the man entered the bank at 2222 Packard St. at about 9:10 a.m. After ordering people to the floor at gunpoint, he directed the manager to let him into the teller area, where he grabbed cash, Bush said.
He fled out the back door with an undisclosed amount of cash in a trash bag, Bush said. He was last seen running into a residential area, police said.
The bank alarm was triggered, and police from several agencies responded to the credit union, between a dentist's office and tailor's shop on a busy stretch of Packard.
The robber was described as black, 6 feet tall, medium build, wearing a light gray zip-up hooded sweatshirt, black sweatpants, a black ski mask covering his face and latex gloves.
Officers are currently in the area using tracking dogs, and people are being asked to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to 911 immediately, the city said in an e-mail.
Several schools were on lockdown mode. Ann Arbor Public Schools on lockdown were Pattengill, Allen and Pittsfield elementary schools, Tappan Middle School and Stone High School, according to an e-mail sent to parents this morning. At 11:25 a.m., spokeswoman Liz Margolis said the lockdowns were lifted. Several charter and private schools also were into lockdown mode.
William Wood, 24, who recently moved to the neighborhood, said he isn't too concerned about the robbery.
"It seems kind of weird because Ann Arbor in my mind is usually not a place that this kind of activity happens in," Wood said.
Washtenaw County sheriff's deputies are assisting, sheriff's department spokesman Derrick Jackson said.
The robbery occurred in the same general vicinity and almost exactly a week after a brazen robbery of a Bank of America branch at Packard and Eisenhower.
In that case, two masked men using a stolen car arrived at the Bank of America at about 10:13 a.m., walked in and fired several shots, police said. No one was injured.
They fled on foot, and police recovered all the cash taken a short distance away. The robbers remain at large.
Peter Vasher, 53, who lives in neighborhood, said he suspects the same people are involved in both robberies. He said he's surprised two such robberies have occurred in the same area in the past week.
"It happened basically at the same time. They know what they're doing," he said.
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Comments
Richard
Sat, Oct 30, 2010 : 10:46 a.m.
I'm so tired (and I'm not particularly pro- or anti-gun) with the argument that if something should be legalized for adults, it'd be wrong because kids should have them. Yes, we should make cars illegal because if six-year-olds drove them, that would be bad. There's a reason for legal distinction between children and adults. Driving, bicycle riding in the street vs. the sidewalk, gun ownership... nope, if someone advocates for these, that doesn't mean they're advocating that elementary school children do them.
transmission
Fri, Oct 29, 2010 : 7:32 p.m.
The choice isn't between more cops with lousy benefits or less cops with good benefits. The choice isn't between arts and cops. We could always raise the tax rate, right? I'd support a slight bump in the tax rate for emergency services. The other thing is, isn't there any onus on these financial institutions to protect themselves? In the old days, banks had security in the lobby. That's a deterrent. A lot of these institutions can easily spare the money it would cost for banker hour security, and they could do so without upping our fees too. I'd go so far as to say that a financial institution without security is inviting danger upon their employees, customers and neighborhoods.
Ricebrnr
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 9:43 p.m.
Kids who are taught to use guns properly aren't the ones accidentally killing themselves or their friends when they come across them. Let's try to be a bit more realistic, shall we?
cathboo
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 8:38 p.m.
Guns are such a greatidea! Perhaps we could teach the children at the schools that get these "lockdown" orders to use them at the elementary level and they can play outside on Bank Robbery Thursday's. We can issue them "Thursday afternoon specials". That way it can be business as usual on the playground and we as parents can rest assured. Yeah.
Black Coffee :)
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 6:48 p.m.
Independent_Thinker "thumbs up to you" I agree with you all the way on this.
jns131
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 6:22 p.m.
What I think is totally funny is the fact that 2 minutes after the robbery I was parked at the stop sign looking directly at that bank with 6 squad cars all going Hollywood. I knew exactly what that meant and I knew it meant another day on lock down at the school. Almost got me out of book fair volunteering but did not. I need to ask those robbers if Chase Bank is on their list for next week so I can stay home. Wow. Never thought my knitting circle was so much fun. I am also wondering if this is the same person who nailed that other bank last week.
Ricebrnr
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 5:23 p.m.
And might I add by your logic we should all be denied access to cars and alcohol because criminals such as those recently reported kill and maim with them? And please don't rebut with the ridiculous guns are only designed to kill tripe.
Ricebrnr
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 4:41 p.m.
"Yes, because with nobody being armed how many people were killed?" - False, the CRIMINAL WAS ARMED. He could have killed at anytime for any reason. HE was the only one with that power and choice. The only choice the victims would have had would be to sacrifice themselves and hope others might escape. And you may not know this but the credit union has a NO GUNS sign at the entrance. There couldn't be any lawful gun owners carrying there. "If you had a gun, the criminal would likely be scared and then start shooting." - False, as previously stated an CPL holder's training tells them to be a good witness. It's not our money, AND in MI it is not legal to use deadly force to protect property anyway. However if it had escalated to that point THEN we would have many more options than if we were not armed at all. Like you the criminal wouldn't know a concealed carrier was carrying until the moment the gun was drawn. You do realize you probably pass about 10-20 of us a day in your travels don't you? "If we want to take it further, a better solution would be to ban ALLL guns. If there were no guns, the criminal would have tow work harder to get them." - False, England already has a gun ban. While their "gun" crime is indeed down, the overall stats for VIOLENT crime are up. Why? Criminals have no fear of a disarmed populace. Also note I said "gun" crime is down not non existant. Criminals have always and ever will be able to get things that law abiding citizens can't or won't. Illicit drugs sure comes to mind... "Instead any person can get one. In fact any criminal can legally get any gun for whatever reason." False - There are laws already in place in MI to prevent firearms access to criminals. You need permission from the local authorities to buy a handgun. You need permission from the Federal authorities to actually buy one. You need both local and Federal permissions to carry one concealed legally. To correct your statement; In fact any criminal has always been able to ILLEGALLY obtain anything for any reason, because criminals by definition care not one wit for any of the laws that you or I have to follow. "Based on your logic, Iran should be allowed to have nuclear weapons, because they have every right to protect themselves. We should allow every country to have nuclear weapons, that way it evens the playing field." - We may not like Iran, but Israel has made this same argument. But it's ok because we're friends with them. Pakistan and India? Pretty much the same. I may not like the idea but I won't stoop to hypocrisy but arguing because feelings have no place in a logical argument.
Greggy_D
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 4:37 p.m.
"In fact any criminal can legally get any gun for whatever reason." This is a complete, unadulterated lie.
Greggy_D
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 4:30 p.m.
" If you had a gun, the criminal would likely be scared and then start shooting." Where are your facts and statistics to back up this statement?
Bob Needham
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 3:55 p.m.
(comment removed due to name calling)
johnnya2
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 3:51 p.m.
"Like I said, anytime, anywhere. And you anti gun people think we who choose to be armed are nuts?" Yes, because with nobody being armed how many people were killed? Oh thats right ZERO. If you had a gun, the criminal would likely be scared and then start shooting. So instead of a bank robber, we would be searching for a armed and dangerous killer. If we want to take it further, a better solution would be to ban ALLL guns. If there were no guns, the criminal would have tow work harder to get them. Instead any person can get one. In fact any criminal can legally get any gun for whatever reason. Based on your logic, Iran should be allowed to have nuclear weapons, because they have every right to protect themselves. We should allow every country to have nuclear weapons, that way it evens the playing field.
Ricebrnr
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 3:31 p.m.
"deciding to go Clint Eastwood " Well as I live and breathe. A perfect example of "The only people with cowboy fantasies here are the ones who don't have CPLs."
Brad
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 3:16 p.m.
CPL classes are what - 8 hours? I'm not sure I want someone with 8 hours of training deciding to go Clint Eastwood during a bank robbery if I'm at the bank. We require police to have way more training that that. Sorry.
djm12652
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 3:02 p.m.
@jr...you seriously are trying to discount these crimes as random? Being robbed at gunpoint is a completely violent, horrific event. And to those blaming poverty...get real! I grew up poor and one of my most vivd memories is drinking hot chocolate water because all we had was a can of Nestle's Quik, yet not one of my siblings, or my parents robbed banks because we were poor, we were instilled with a good moral center. These thugs are not homeless, hungry, trying to feed their children. They are most likely in debt to their dealer for drugs and/or want more drugs. It has nothing to do with not being able to pay DTE on time!
Cash
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 2:54 p.m.
@Rachel Datson, I think your comment was interpreted as written. Your experience isn't everyone's experience. As someone who knew a girl blown to bits in a bank robbery out west......you should be aware that it isn't intelligence or maturity that causes one to live through a robbery....it is the Fates, the luck of the draw, whatever. But smart, mature people die in robberies. So thinking that you could get robbed in a particular job and planning to go to college doesn't always keep you alive long enough to go to college. Never get cocky about surviving a robbery. Not everyone does.
Rachel
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 2:43 p.m.
@ liekkio, the only person here getting that out of my posting is you, I cannot teach reading comprehension from a distance. Good luck to you!
liekkio
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 2:31 p.m.
@ Rachel Datson: the point is that getting robbed or hurt while working at a bank has nothing to do with one's desires to get an education. You make it sound that taking a teller job somehow makes one lazy, unwilling to learn and ultimately deserving what happens to them, none of which is true.
Cash
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 2:31 p.m.
Oddly, I do know of two banks that have metal detectors. I wouldn't advise going into those banks armed.
Nick
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 2:09 p.m.
@ Tru2Blu- If the trollers who pounce upon every opportunity to proclaim "had I been at the scene of CRIME X with my concealed weapon then said crime would never have happened" were as well thought out and obviously cognizant of the requirements to carry a concealed weapon as you, then this wouldn't be an issue. As you yourself pointed out, I used a fallacy against another fallacy! However, not all fallacies are created equal. Whereas the aforementioned group uses argumentum ad baculum (the implied threat of harm since the population does not carry guns) in an attempt to stimulate the fear centers and manipulate the emotions of the reader, my "slippery slope" fallacy simply seeks to call out said fallacy. So which is better, using a fallacy to manipulate peoples' emotions or using a fallacy to illuminate the fallaciousness of the original fallacy? In any case, as a future gun owner (I'm saving up for my first rifle) who is currently learning about gun safety, I think these trolls make me (and you) look bad.
Ricebrnr
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 2:01 p.m.
AND as the recent atricle on clearance rates in MI shows. I'll make and take whatever odds I can in my OWN hands before I rely on the 1 in 3 chance that the police might catch my assaulter or killer. My family is too important to me as I am to them. If your choice is to leave your destiny up to an armed criminal or the police, good luck to you. You'll need it. 1*
Cash
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 1:58 p.m.
@UM Owns, "The banks don't care if they get robbed -- the money is insured (and hence the lack of incentive to upgrade their security cameras, system, etc.). Why should you?" I should care because there are a lot of innocent people working in those banks who eventually are going to get killed if this keeps up. I could not possibly care less about the company or the money. I do care about my fellow man.
kmannarbor
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 1:55 p.m.
It's time to re-think having bank branches that are located in the middle of neighborhoods where schools are just blocks away. The banks apparently have little to no security, and are attracting quick hit robbers to strike and run through our streets with guns. These last 2 bank robberies have affected 5-10 schools each time. My children have been locked in closets for two days now. I don't think that they should be in danger because of the bank's lack of security. We don't use banks the way we did even 5 years ago. There is no need to have them in every neighborhood. I am also not shocked at the location they are targeting. With the Georgetown Mall in such dire shape - not to mention the people roaming around there at night, something is bound to happen unless the city takes care of this problem!
Ricebrnr
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 1:53 p.m.
"All this talk of arming yourself to stop these incidents?" No you and other keep missing this exact point. We don't arm ourselves to stop bank robberies. We don't arm ourselves to be heroes. We arm ourselves to even and improve the odds that WE SURVIVE these incidents. For example, in NYC regular citizens are not allowed to carry a gun. An off duty cop does. After being herded into a back room she found the opportunity to fight for her (and other's) life. nytimes.com/2010/10/26/nyregion/26salon.html?_r=2 This in contrast to 5 who were herded into a back room of a Wendy's and executed. query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C02E5D7113DF934A15756C0A9669C8B63 Any CPL holder with decent training knows, first and foremost be a good witness. The only people with cowboy fantasies here are the ones who don't have CPLs.
Independent_Thinker
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 1:42 p.m.
UM Owns, Who is talking about arming yourself to "stop these incidents"? Being responsible for your own protection is a lifelong responsibility. I believe those of us with CPLs here are talking about general defense in any given situation. I don't think anybody is saying to go out and get a CPL to take a gun just for when you go to the bank.
Rachel
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 1:39 p.m.
@ liekkio, your point is? As I said I cashiered briefly after h.s. and it MADE me want to get further educated. If they did not contemplate the possibility of being robbed they were not mature enough to take the job!
Independent_Thinker
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 1:37 p.m.
Unbelievable!! Your security is your own responsibility. If you want to call me a pro-gunner and make this story political go ahead. I'm just a realist. The cops clean up the scene after the fact. If you want to protect yourself, stay in decent shape, have excellent situational awareness, stay out of high crime areas, become proficient in physical self-defense (doesn't have to be ninja style - just basics), learn how to use both a knife and a gun and carry when necessary. This is just common sense folks. You anti-gun people act like crime and violence are "new" to the human race. You act is if us CPL holders are just dying to shoot somebody.... point me to a story where that was the case. The last thing I want to do is have to use a gun for self defense and have to go through the moral/guilt, financial, and legal aftermath. But I am certainly not going to leave it in the hands of somebody who is desperate, unstable, and/or high enough to try armed bank robbery to determine whether I live or die. Yeah, he might just want the money and leave or he might be methed up and just shoot you for no reason at all. Bank tellers choose to work at a bank which carries the risk of robbery. Bank tellers and cops are not going to be diving in front of you to take a bullet. When the moment comes it will be every man or woman for themself. Who do you want to be when that time comes?
AACity12
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 1:35 p.m.
Mr. Fraser and Mr, Heiftje, We want our Police Officers and FireFighters back!
UM owns
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 1:34 p.m.
All this talk of arming yourself to stop these incidents? The banks don't care if they get robbed -- the money is insured (and hence the lack of incentive to upgrade their security cameras, system, etc.). Why should you?
Eric Arsenault
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 1:31 p.m.
Looks like this guy is a leftie from the picture. Could that be checked against which hand last week's robber held his gun in. Can police ask local stores that sell these kind of gloves to crosscheck their sales with any avaiblable security footage? Also, only one guy this time? If it is one of the two from last week, where's the other guy. Maybe he's too nervous to try again today. Maybe he'd be willing to roll over on his friend if the cops publicly offered him a deal regarding last week's robbery in return for information regarding the identity of his accomplice.
liekkio
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 1:29 p.m.
@ Rachel Datson: it may surprise you, but quite a few of the tellers ARE students, in process of getting an education and working part time. Not sure if they want a side course in fending off robbers.
Rachel
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 1:24 p.m.
A - How much incentive do the banks have in paying for the BEST security it can get when our $ is guaranteed to us? FDIC may make it better to just let the feds cover the loss. B - I don't buy the poor teller stuff, if you take that job you have to know there is a chance. Like when I first got out of high school and took a job on midnights as a cashier in A2. Robbed a few times and decided to get an education so I didn't do that kind of work ever again. Necessity is the mother of invention!
Cash
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 1:15 p.m.
To those who say "who cares about the banks?" Obviously your son or daughter isn't a teller at a bank. I would bet if the job market wasn't so bad right now, they'd not be able to hire a bank teller in Ann Arbor right now! Those poor people make peanuts and generally are part time so the bank won't have to provide benefits. And to top it off, no bullet resistant glass and no armed guards. There are so many advances in security today and yet those lowest paid bank employees sit out there...might as well have a sign hanging on their neck "Rob me". Those tellers are sitting ducks.
SpartyInExile
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 12:48 p.m.
You can donate as much as you want to for the cause, but leave the choice to protect my family up to me. You are all about "choice" aren't you?
cathboo
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 12:41 p.m.
Question: With all the money the banks make in record producing profits, why are the surveilence captures so poor in quality? My 11 year old's handheld digital video recorder which cost approximately $125.00 has much more clarity and focus over the "bank released" security captions. Perhaps it does make sense to have the City charge for services when they are called to such crimes. These PUNKS must be deterred and I wish it did not have to come from our tax dollars. The neighborhood may one day become safe again if the banks were not such an easy grab. Or, maybe a little more of the corporate profits could help charities and education, pro rated to the number of robberies in the area.
Nick
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 12:30 p.m.
Do all the A2 gun rights extremists wait for any possible story/opportunity to troll this site with their fear-filled tripe? Here's some perspective: yes the robbery MIGHT not have occurred if there were armed individuals in the bank. It also might not have occurred if there were police officers in the bank. Or perhaps a metal detector at the door, or a large watch dog, or even a trap with an anvil hanging overhead that can be released by the teller, or even a well-placed banana peel! The point is: your advocacy is specious, or at best out of scope.
Atticus F.
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 12:21 p.m.
sbbuilder, I happen to own guns for home defense and hunting. I was just making the point that if you think a gun is going to insure protection, you might want to reconsider. It might even cause more danger, especially if you dont know what you're doing.
Atticus F.
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 12:18 p.m.
Alain, I agree totaly. And sparty in exile, When you have thousands of people who are not able to put gas in their cars, or feed themselves, it's only a matter of time unti one of them sticks a gun in your face. I guess you could say that if you dont care about the value of someone elses life who is starving or homeless, how could you expect that person to themselves have respect for life?
Forever27
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 12:13 p.m.
@Trublue, thank you for bringing the logical fallacies of the "Would/Coulda/Shoulda" debate. Also important to know the details regarding permits for concealed weapons. @Alain, bingo! The real issue surfacing here is the economic climate. Rather than getting bogged down in arguments about carrying guns we should look at this situation relative to similar recent situations and see what we can do about the cause.
sbbuilder
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 12:12 p.m.
Uhhhh, Atticus, you may want to revist your Avatar picture. There's this big bad dude toting a, gasp!, gun. He ain't even law enforcement. That would put him squarely in the "The last thing they want is some yahoo-customer-vigilante-idiot with a gun to start crap" crowd. The irony. The supreme irony. About the lack of announcement of money stolen: If we all knew that all they got away with was a couple hundred bucks, perhaps the wanna bees would think twice. Do you want to go to Federal prison for 30-40 years for armed robbery of a bank for a measley few hundred? Then again, these folks aren't exactly the sharpest knives in the drawer. You guys may not sense it, but the criminal class certainly does. That is, the diminishing police presence in general. That's all these guys think about day and night. Which communities are the least protected? Are the cops just going to sit in their patrol cars all day, and not walk the beat? Believe me, those guys know more about local police presence than any of us. Why err on the low side? Gosh, we have barely enough cops to do the job. That's super. In times like these, I for one would like a robust police presence. Much more of this nonsense, and AA may have an image problem that will be far more difficult to eradicate than the nuckle head thieves.
SpartyInExile
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 12:09 p.m.
I don't think poverty has anything to do with this robbery, unless you mean lack of cash to support a drug habit.
Dante Marcos
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 12:06 p.m.
Rather than talk about arming ourselves, we should be talking about working to eliminate poverty.
glimmertwin
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 12:04 p.m.
Don't these robbers realize that going into politics is much more lucrative and guns aren't necessary to steal people's money?
Brad
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 12:03 p.m.
I was walking in the neighborhood about 9:20, and it was crawling with AA, MI and UofM police. Crawling. They were there within minutes and they were there in force. It would be hard to do much better unless they go one-on-one coverage of the bad guys. Good work, police people.
win
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 11:57 a.m.
Note to all the complainers and second guessers. Get up and stand a your post if you think you can keep the world safe! Police dept and Ann Arbor Schools are doing exactly what they are supposed to do.
Killroy
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 11:42 a.m.
@Independent_Thinker. I disagree. I don't think carrying a gun is the way to go. The last thing we need is more lives lost because to vigilantism or excessive violence. Clearly, all these banks robberies point to the economic depths we have sunk to here in Michigan. The very fact, that they're now steadily in A2 and no longer just in Ypsi points to desperation by these criminals. Next stop, Chelsea, Saline, Manchester, and Dexter I bet?
ypsituckian
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 11:41 a.m.
Expanding on Trepang674's comment, perhaps we should ask ourselves the following question: What security measures does my bank take to thwart armed robberies? If my bank does not take a proactive approach in prevention of this type of crime, perhaps I should consider doing business with a bank that does, if that exists.
Atticus F.
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 11:41 a.m.
To all of the people who are using this incident to advocate carrying guns, there is a good chance that that gun could get you killed. Think about it logically, are you more likely to get shot if you pull a gun out in the middle of a roberry? or if you follow the crooks instructions? No one has been killed in any of these situations, but I cant say that wouldn't happen if some 'hero' pulled out a gun and initiated a shoot out. I'm not saying people cant carry a gun for protection...Just saying it's possible to make a dangerous situation even worse.
HerrSnibbens
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 11:40 a.m.
@djm12652 Actually no they really aren't that much a deterrent to crime. The threat of punishment is the deterrent to crime. How often do police stop crimes actually in progress? Only in movies mainly. Movies, that's also where the big brave guy with the gun plays shoot em up with the bad guys and saves the day! Hahah, nice fantasy. However more than likely in *REALITY* it causes a bunch of dead innocent people over some piddly sum of money. All that being said, I am not really anti-gun at all. I am just anti-gun-in-the-hands-of-those-who-are-REALLY-eager-to-use them to "defend" themselves.
AAFish
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 11:38 a.m.
@smokeblwr -- Good one! My thoughts exactly.
MWH
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 11:38 a.m.
If I was at my bank during an armed robbery, and another client pulled out a gun in order to defend themselves, and the event escalated into a gunfight, I'd be worried about being in the crossfire. To the proponents of concealed weapons: would carrying my own gun make me feel better about this? Also, if I did carry a gun, would I have to learn to draw it really fast?
Ricebrnr
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 11:35 a.m.
OK it has to be said, all you anti gun people who are afraid of law abiding citizens choosing to be armed... Guess it's the "wild west" out there all without our help, eh?
RRinAA
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 11:32 a.m.
@sambra: "It seems we are beginning to pay for all the layoffs within the police and fire departments." For some reason my first thought was you were saying the laid off workers had turned to robbing banks... Seeing an ad for PNC bank at the top of the story must have put me in a humorous mood. :)
Greggy_D
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 11:30 a.m.
"The last thing they want is some yahoo-customer-vigilante-idiot with a gun to start crap." Really? That's what we are? Those who choose to defend ourselves and others around us are idiots? I think the actual criminal is the one who is starting "crap".
Rachel
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 11:14 a.m.
@antikvetch What do you think the city counsel can do about FEDERAL crime. Yes our police have to try chase them down, but once the Feds are on hand, its in an assistance mode, back seat position. Heck A2 City Counsel has trouble keeping track of $ for office furniture, they don't need to be put in charge of Bank Robberies.
smokeblwr
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 11:14 a.m.
All this kerfuffle by the pro-gunnies and the people thinking about moving out because of this are hilarious. I just picture an Onion headline: "Middle Aged Man with CCW Disappointed After Returning Home from Bank Without Getting to Defend Himself".
Warren
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 11:10 a.m.
Where in the world is Stone High School. I believe it's Stone Pre-School in the original Stone Elementary School.
antikvetch
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 11:09 a.m.
I hope the city council takes a courageous stand, hires a consultant, appoints a blue ribbon committee and approves a resolution condemning bank robberies! Come on, make us proud!
ummsw
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 11:08 a.m.
Rational for lifting the lock down?
Independent_Thinker
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 10:59 a.m.
Dear HerrSnibbens, Compliance to criminals only makes them more likely to do it again. It is the same as the bully phenomenon. Current bank policy is weak and is exactly why people rob banks. I am much more worried about the unstable cracked out meth head bank robber than I am the law-abiding CPL holder. But then again, I'll be busy defending myself. You can chose to die or be seriously injured if you wish as you put yourself completely at the whims of a criminal.
Joe
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 10:56 a.m.
Hmmm....I had no idea my previous post to the BofA story last week would be so prophetic. This situation needs to be dealt with swiftly and strongly....or they will keep coming. If you like walking down the street or going to the bank without fear, then be a part of the solution. Report suspicious people, cars, activity. Be proactive. This is a fight, make no mistake about it.
Bob W
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 10:53 a.m.
An interesting string of comments. I agree with the submitter that this has nothing to do with budget cuts... unless one is suggesting the police force be expanded to the point where an officer can be posted at every bank branch in the city. If this is all it takes for some to pack-up and leave A2, well, maybe we will all be better off if they do. Not much gumption being displayed, that's for sure.
djm12652
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 10:49 a.m.
@HerrSnibbens, if you are correct in your statements, then theoretically we need no police force, they are not a deterrent to crime. But I must make a statement in regards to, as you put it..."The last thing they want is some yahoo-customer-vigilante-idiot with a gun to start crap." If I were a customer at that time, legally carrying a concealed weapon, and a thug pointed a gun at me, my response of using my weapon is NOT starting some crap, it's called self defense...I bet you don't even believe there are crimes in A2...just miscommunications, misunderstandings and misinterpretation of body language and actions...in the real world we call what happened at the Credit Union just what is is...a violent act perpretrated upon innocent people.
An
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 10:48 a.m.
The general email I just got from AAPS said that the code red calls/emails only go to the parents of the kids in the schools that are locked down and that the AAPD asked that the school names not be released to parents with kids not in those schools. Forsythe middle school had their third bomb threat of the year yesterday. This is the third year in a row that they have had bomb threats there. I moved here from Ypsi many years ago to get my kids into a safer area...and I am not feeling very safe here anymore. Oh and last year my kids were on the bus that the big fight the first day of school...
Heather
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 10:46 a.m.
I would like to know what AAPS had children hiding in closets. My son attends one of the schools and he had no idea what had happened, except that they weren't allowed to go outside for recess. They hadn't been told anything about the robbery either.
eastsider
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 10:38 a.m.
from aaps: lockdown is released on the AAPS schools
Trepang674
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 10:38 a.m.
As sophisticated we are today - IT solutions, Auto-locks, Remote cameras, electric shock, knockout gas, laser vaporization, time-warp suspension...Banks need to step up their game plans. Spend some of that money you're hoarding. Maybe hire a PR firm, cause lots of folks just don't like you guys.
ezbngreen
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 10:35 a.m.
The description of the suspect only covers the majority of the population between Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti. Twice in one week: Time to move. Would rather sell and go somewhere where this doesn't happen daily, than stay and have my children exposed to a community that does little to stop this type of behavior.
Independent_Thinker
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 10:34 a.m.
Dear JR, No, you should carry a gun to protect yourself. Who cares about the bank? The bank is its own problem. The world can be a violent place anywhere, anytime. Be prepared or choose to put your life in the hands of others. Your choice.
SuperFreckleFace
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 10:32 a.m.
Most schools off of lockdown as of 11:30 per Liz Margolis.
LANDS
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 10:29 a.m.
Nice way to lock 'em down Liz! Maybe we should consider tighter precautions as the world evolves. I hate the idea of having to worry about all of our kids. Hey Chai, lock your doors too. All of our buses are hostage prone targets (?). An old bumper sticker on my best friends trombone case stated "Be Alert, America needs more lerts."
HerrSnibbens
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 10:22 a.m.
Such a profound lack of common sense in this discussion. The problem has NOTHING to do with cutting police, public art, gun laws or anything like that. You people like to push your own pet causes regardless of anything factual. People rob banks because it is easy and the banks make it that way because of their own policies. They assume far less risk by just giving some paltry amount (for them) of cash to someone who claims to have a gun (even if they don't they will hand it over) than by putting up any resistance. The last thing they want is some yahoo-customer-vigilante-idiot with a gun to start crap. Chances are it will be recovered anyway (as it was last week). And more police? That might make a manhunt slightly more likely to work with a few additional cars to spare, but realistically probably wouldn't change that much. It's not like police are going to somehow proactively stop the robbery from happening.
jmac
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 10:20 a.m.
Dollars to doughnuts this is one of the same guys who robbed the Bank of America last week. Let's see if there's any surveillance photos forthcoming to compare!
CincoDeMayo
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 10:19 a.m.
@EyeHeartA2 I am very glad that the schools are taking precautions. As noted last week, a friend and I almost gave sanctuary to a fleeing felon on our way home from Clague Jr. High years and years ago. Had there been the same precautions then, we would still have been in the school or with our parents, rather than thinking about letting a possible murderer into our home. Thank you to all of the police who are out there right now searching for an armed and dangerous person, risking their lives to keep ours safe.
anyann
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 10:15 a.m.
I pass by that credit union this moring and saw police activity at 9:10AM. And right now is 11:15Am, I hear helicopter circling in the air more than 30min. What is going on?
jr
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 10:15 a.m.
Really, guys? We should have five full-time cops patrolling the newly dangerous Kensington neighborhood at all times? And we should all have guns to make sure that we can personally protect local banks? Two bank robberies, in a state with double digit unemployment, with no one injured. This isn't a rash of muggings or rapings, it's TWO people who stole money from banks, one probably copy-catting the other. Please maintain some maturity and perspective on it, and stop trying to scare people.
glimmertwin
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 10:15 a.m.
West of Carpenter Road. Shocking. Tough one having to explain to first graders. However, I guess you are never too old to start learning the true facts and realities of our world. Eventually this guy, or guys, will be caught. I mean, how bright can you be to commit the crime last week and leave the loot somewhere that the cops can recover it? It's just a matter of time...
Rachel
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 10:10 a.m.
School lockdowns due to Bank Robberies are not new, as a kid growing up in Saline, there was one where the Bank Presidents family was tied up at home, while they tried to rob the bank. We were locked down then, it had to have been at as far back as 1980. Better to be safe with our children than sorry later on.
ypsidog
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 10:05 a.m.
I want to know where all the Ypsilanti bashers are now?? Crime in Ann Arbor, preposterous!!! the dog
charles mancherian
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 10:05 a.m.
Can't the police catch any of these guys?
bunnyabbot
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 10:02 a.m.
agree with sambra, when you cut your police force and spend money on giant "artsy" german urinals the crime rate will go up.
Ellen
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 10:02 a.m.
EyeHeartA2, you had the same comment last week, and I believe a teacher (or former teacher) as well as a parent of a child in lockdown both responded. If AAPS *didn't* do something, I think a lot of parents would be up in arms. What SHOULD AAPS be doing?
Rachel
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 9:56 a.m.
ssbuilder, they always leave the amount taken blank. If they tell a specific amount, it gives others the mindframe that it might be worth it to committ their own robbery.
sbbuilder
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 9:51 a.m.
"...undisclosed amount of cash." I know it's a small point, but I get a chuckle out of this whenever I see it. Do the banks not know how much cash was taken? Do they not know the denominations? Did they put one of those exploding dyes in the bag? Is it a big deal to disclose the amount? Is it just easier to say it was undisclosed? On a more serious note, we use this Credit Union as our bank. We usually use the branch on Stadium, however. It does make you wonder. Two robberies using firearms? This does not bode well. And, I agree with the poster who pointed out the cuts in the police dept. I think we have our priorities out of whack. Lots of green space, but no foot patrols. Nuts.
mcwee
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 9:49 a.m.
Jewish Community Center (houses a daycare and an elementary school) ~1 mile away also in lockdown--and have a concert with folk duo Gemini (man, my kid and his friends love Gemini)!
eastsider
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 9:48 a.m.
Red news helicopter is back (saw it last week, too). Anyone know which station this is from?
Didida
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 9:44 a.m.
My daughter and her classmates hid in the closet during the lockdown last week, and now they are probably doing the same in their first grade classroom. This is sad!!! Twice a week there are "bad people trying to steal money from the bank". Wish me good luck to answer her hard questions tonight....
the major
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 9:44 a.m.
I don't see why they can't put metal detectors in banks. If someone walks through the first set a glass doors with a gun it would automatically lock the second set.
Are you serious?
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 9:42 a.m.
I think I will continue to do all my banking on-line!
anti-thug
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 9:36 a.m.
bank robbery in ann arbor rarely happen? lol
AlwaysLate
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 9:35 a.m.
St. Francis School, about a half mile away, is on lockdown.
Mike H.
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 9:35 a.m.
Can't help but think how glad I am that I don't work in a bank these days. Might be that we'll have to start handing out hazard-pay to bank employees soon.
Independent_Thinker
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 9:31 a.m.
Greek God, The police can't protect you. Buy a gun, learn how to use it. The police will gladly tag your dead body when they show up after an incident has occurred. They'll investigate too. Your corpse, however, will not be able to partake in the investigation.
Top Cat
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 9:27 a.m.
This is starting to feel like Dodge City.
eastsider
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 9:26 a.m.
Email from AAPS: Dear Parents and Guardians at Pattengill, Allen, Tappan, Stone and Pittsfield, Another bank robbery has occurred at the Lake Trust Credit Union on Packard across from Crestland. The police have instructed us to put these schools in a perimeter lockdown. Students are safe. Students are being allowed to continue activities inside the school. We are asking that you do not go pick up your student. We are restricting entry and exit into the schools. We are in constant contact with the police and will update you when we receive more information. Thank you Liz Margolis Phone message said suspect headed East, Code Red message said West.
sambra
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 9:26 a.m.
It seems we are beginning to pay for all the layoffs within the police and fire departments. What's more important, art for the city, or personnal protection.
Mike H.
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 9:26 a.m.
Robberies are up in general in the Ann Arbor area. September had over twice the robberies compared to the same time last year, according to the Ann Arbor Observer. I wonder if the inability to catch the guys from last week at Bank of America would have contributed to this more recent robbery. I hope we catch one of these guys soon or this might be a trend we'll start seeing more often.
rusty shackelford
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 9:26 a.m.
ricebrnr, do the banks here have armed guards?
rusty shackelford
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 9:25 a.m.
Last seen running west bound from there, per the alert. Into a confusing, easily-cordoned neighborhood. Let's see if the cops can catch anyone this time.
Killroy
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 9:22 a.m.
With the rash of bank robberies in A2, I hope the Police are taking the necessary actions of safeguarding the other Banks in town?
Independent_Thinker
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 9:21 a.m.
This is why you should always be prepared to protect yourself. When seconds count the police are only minutes away.
emu2009
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 9:17 a.m.
Central Academy is currently on lock down.
L'chaim
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 9:14 a.m.
From Liz Margolis (AAPS): "Another bank robbery has occurred at the Lake Trust Credit Union on Packard Rd. across from Crestland. The suspect is traveling east on foot. We have put Pattengill, Allen, Tappan, Stone and Pittsfield in a perimeter lock down until further notice. Liz"
Chris
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 9:11 a.m.
This credit union is across Packard from Frasiers between Rosewood and Jewett
UgottaBkidding
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 9:10 a.m.
I did not get any code red e-mail...what's up with that??
Ricebrnr
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 9:09 a.m.
Two bank robberies in my neighborhood in recent days. Another "personal" robbery last week also. Attempted kidnappings just last year. Like I said, anytime, anywhere. And you anti gun people think we who choose to be armed are nuts? 1*
ParrishFraming
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 9:09 a.m.
@MK there is a Google Map above you can look in satellite mode and see!
MK
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 9:07 a.m.
Is this the bank next to the cleaners and Frasiers pub?
ParrishFraming
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 9:05 a.m.
I posted pictures on your Facebook page!
ParrishFraming
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 9:03 a.m.
Lake Trust is very close to Stadium and Packard!
SuperFreckleFace
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 9 a.m.
These thieves must have Thursdays off.
treetowncartel
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 8:57 a.m.
Is the AAPS on lockdown mode? If so, the staff at Pattengill elementary are really earning their keep this past week.
mommaof2
Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 8:55 a.m.
Two code red calls at my house in less than 1 week, maybe it is time to move... oh wait, I can't sell my house because I owe more than it is worth... Happy Days!