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Posted on Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 1:18 p.m.

Video of brazen robbery at Ann Arbor party store shows masked man pointing shotgun at clerk

By Kyle Feldscher

Ann Arbor police have released the security camera footage of a brazen robbery at the Broadway Party Store last week, showing a masked man pointing a shotgun directly at the clerk.

The robbery took place at about 10 p.m. April 9 at the party store, 1027 Broadway St., Ann Arbor police Lt. Renee Bush said. The video shows the men walking up to the clerk, one wearing a mask that looks like a skull and holding a shotgun, and taking cash and liquor.

The clerk holds his hands up and allows the second man, who appears to be unarmed in the video, to go through the register and steal cash after grabbing liquor from behind the counter.

No one was injured during the incident, Bush said. The University of Michigan’s K-9 unit was called in to help search for the men but they were unable to locate them, Bush said.

The first man was described as black, about 5-feet-10 inches tall and thin, wearing a white coat with a white mask, Bush said. The second man was described as black, about 5-feet-5 inches tall and wearing a gray mask, Bush said.

Anyone with information on the robbery is encouraged to call the Ann Arbor police anonymous tip line at 734-794-7639.

Kyle Feldscher covers cops and courts for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at kylefeldscher@annarbor.com or you can follow him on Twitter.

Comments

Frustrated in A2

Sat, Apr 21, 2012 : 12:40 a.m.

I would definitely hate to be on the business end of a shotgun, I'm glad the owner is ok.

sidwally

Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 10:41 p.m.

So how's building the wall around Ypsi going? Crime isn't in an issue in Ann Arbor until people from Ypsi get in.

Maxwell

Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 3:14 p.m.

The Black Stallion3 wrote "Sorry to say but as Detroit moves closer and closer to Ann Arbor you will see more and more of this type of crime happening" Seriously - This kind of remark stays up? Bully for Ann Arbor Dot Com for not censoring this. It sends a clear message to the world just what kind of place Ann Arbor is....

The Black Stallion3

Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 10:42 p.m.

Oh Please

Robert Hughes

Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 10:01 p.m.

The pot calling the kettle black is a racist statement. It suggests that there is something about the color black that is not right; not perhaps the statement itself, but the racist society that creates such a statement.

The Black Stallion3

Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 9:05 p.m.

I agree Pickforddick....the old saying "The pot calling the kettle black" may apply in this situation.

Pickforddick

Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 8:10 p.m.

Seems to me some people are just looking for a fight....suffice it to say the populace of Detroit is moving closer to A2 whether they be pink or blue it does not matter.

The Black Stallion3

Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 6:22 p.m.

Detroit has a much higher crime rate than a2. It stands to reason that if that City's populace moves closer to a2, our crime rate would go up. There is no racism there.

The Black Stallion3

Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 5:25 p.m.

What kind of place is Ann Arbor?

Maxwell

Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 4:59 p.m.

I would agree with you if their policy was not to censor anyone but that's not their policy.

The Black Stallion3

Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 4:57 p.m.

Sorry Maxwell but i do feel I have a right to my opinion even if it does not agree with yours. I will gladly listen to yours and respect you for what you have to say. I like dealing in truths and I realize that some don't but that is how the world operates today. I will not try to have you censored and I would expect the same in return. Thank You.

Destroom101

Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 4:07 p.m.

I'm a bit disturbed that you are advocating that AnnArbor.Com censor the Black Stallion3's comment. You find it offensive? fine, but we all need to read things we find offensive. It helps keep us intellectually honest. It challenges us. Censorship should be shunned, not promoted. Ann Arbor should be known for open discourse, not for censorship and thus for hiding the thoughts and feelings of people that you seem to find offensive. Ann Arbor is not perfect. Get over it. let it shine in all of its honest uncensored glory.

ffej440

Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 2:43 p.m.

Just some observations- Looks like the clerk is watching a TV located upper right. The owner should remove the TV, you want your employees focus on the store - Who is coming in and who is inside. ( Not watching Oprah) it looks like no alarm/ panic button available to the clerk. In a high robbery risk store this should have been installed. Way more useful than camera's. The police need a chance to catch a thief- response time is everything, pictures of masked hoodies are no good.

hockeymom

Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 1:04 p.m.

I live in A2 Township in the "country" where there have been several home invasions during the middle of the day by heroin-heads looking for quick cash. It is my right to protect myself. And I will.

ffej440

Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 8:42 p.m.

TruBlu76 - A lifetime of training does not compare with hockeymom who took CPL class last month. I won't compare stats as we both know they show what groups want to prove. Right or Wrong there is a guy in Florida that wishes he didn't use his pistol. Taking a life justified or not is something you have to live with forever.

Tru2Blu76

Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 6:23 p.m.

@ hockeymon, Congratulations - you've just taken a prudent decision to lessen the chance you'll experience an attack which could have lasting negative impact on your and your family. @ffej440: Sorry, but you make reasonable sounding assumptions but ignore what actual people do to maintain firearms safety and effectiveness in their homes. There were always guns around when I was growing up. My training in firearms started when I was five years old. By the time I was 7, I was an expert with small caliber rifles and by the time I was ten, I was shooting pistols better than my combat experienced father. I got my first CPL in 1967. Our daughter was born in 1976, by 1996, she was an NRA rifle instructor. Most of the people I know have similar backgrounds and NOT ONE of us has had a firearms accident. We all keep loaded guns ON our persons or within sight & reach, which answers 2 of your questions. This is all due to TRAINING, which includes learning tactical and strategic solutions to the problems you ask about. If you'd like to see a comparative example of gunless homes vs homes with gun carrying adults: google "Petit Murders."

The Black Stallion3

Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 5:18 p.m.

I agree with you CPLtownie..........we will do what we have to in order to protect our Family and possessions.

CPLtownie

Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 5 p.m.

If anyone breaks into my house, yes, I am prepared to defend myself. So what it he's looking for quick cash, my laptop, or anything else I worked for. You enter my house illegally, you take your chances. Why should I pay for an elaborate safe room? If I do, will there be a tax break? Will Ann Arbor reimburse me 1%? Yes, there is safety without guns, I have lived that way for 40 something years. But the trend is screaming different - the thugs are upping their game, and it's become a free for all. It has been apparent that my safety is now MY responsibility, because of all the soft treatment, the feel sorry for's, and aw the poor criminals. Sorry, they made their choices in their lives, and they will not get a free pass from me. I made my choice to be a contributing member of society.

ffej440

Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 2:31 p.m.

It is your right but consider a few things- I assume you are a "mom" by your handle, so that means trigger locks, hiding the gun, seperate location for ammo... could this be overcame before 'Heroin Head" got to you? What about the break in when your not home ?- Does Heroin Head now have a gun to play with? Last of all could you take a human life even a Heroin Head over a laptop ? - remember he is just looking for quick cash. Everyone says so - but feel otherwise after the fact. You might consider alarm systems and a well locked "Safe Room", large dogs are good also- Doesn't sound brave or macho, but there is safty without guns.

hockeymom

Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 1:02 p.m.

I took my CPL class in March. License on its way.

Bcar

Mon, Apr 23, 2012 : 11:43 a.m.

Grrreat for you hockeymon!! Now please take some extra classes, this goes for everyone with a CPL, that CPL class is sooo basic its not even funny. Learn how to FIGHT with a gun, not how to shoot. check www.michigantrainer.com good guys, good classes.

CPLtownie

Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 4:52 p.m.

Got mine in Feb. Never would I thought it would come to this, but obviously it is up to individuals to protect themselves. no else will

G-Man

Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 11:08 a.m.

Apparently the clerk knew the perps, or he doesn't understand a bit of English..........

Monica R-W

Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 5:51 a.m.

WOW! Ann Arbor? This happened in Ann Arbor? WOW!

Robert Hughes

Sat, Apr 21, 2012 : 12:20 a.m.

Close enough for a political joke.

AfterDark

Sat, Apr 21, 2012 : 12:13 a.m.

Snyder lives in Superior Township, not in town.

Robert Hughes

Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 9:57 p.m.

Actually Snyder lives in town.

AfterDark

Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 11:01 a.m.

Crime DOES occur in Ann Arbor but the perps are typically from east of town.

Tru2Blu76

Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 5:13 a.m.

I'm out on foot or on my bicycle virtually every day for at least 30 minutes at a time - and 9 times out of ten: I see at least one patrol car and sometimes 2 or 3. So where's this shortage of police (who could not possibly have stopped the robbery in the video)?? It's obvious the robbers planned to hit this particular store: they already knew that people inside cannot see anyone approaching until they too are inside. The staff were caught completely by surprise and found themselves facing what might have been the last minute of their lives. I hear the argument that there's so little chance of being a victim of a violent crime that there's no sense in preparing for it with security measures or arming oneself. Well, this video and thousands of others in just the last few months show people becoming -very surprised - victims. Before I start worrying about lack of police presence, I'd want to know the facts and that includes the answer to the question: What is the magic number of police "density" in a town like this to "suppress" crimes? Hiefje Haters: take a break.

CynicA2

Sat, Apr 21, 2012 : 7:12 p.m.

The Hieftje can never be hated enough... he is a liar, and a thief, and should be tarred and feathered and run out of town on a splintery rail, for what he has done to this town. Whoever said the face of evil is banal really got it right.

ffej440

Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 9:08 p.m.

i have to agree on this one. Given our economic times anyone in a risk position should be prepared, all of us need to be alert.

chucklk

Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 3:24 a.m.

The perp on the left of the screen was wearing a hoodie.

ypsicat

Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 1:55 a.m.

Way to go, Mr. Lee, for being chill and staying alive. I hope those two mopes get collared soon, but I won't hold my breath.

The Black Stallion3

Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 1:01 a.m.

We need to punish criminals to the point that they will never want to commit another crime and end up back in prison. Why do so many people feel more sorrow today for the criminal than they do for the victims? Put them into an environment that they will fear to return and we may just stop some of this nonsense.

The Black Stallion3

Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 10:28 a.m.

You are right Monica....I am sure they will...that is a major problem.

The Black Stallion3

Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 10:27 a.m.

Jonathan...........Yhay would be fine with me....we wouldn't have to worry about them robbing anyone again..............Oh...did I mention .....you are funny?

Monica R-W

Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 5:53 a.m.

Armed robbery without injury is not a life sentence in Michigan The Black Stallion3. So these masked suspects, if caught, will be back on the streets again....

Jonathan Blutarsky

Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 3:22 a.m.

Yeah! I say lock them up in a room with you - and throw away the key!

JRW

Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 12:36 a.m.

I've lived in Ann Arbor a long time and this kind of crime is new. When was the last time a thug pointed a sawed off shotgun at a retail clerk in A2? Brazen and scary.

squidlover

Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 12:29 a.m.

If even one idiot points a gun at a clerk during an armed robbery it is a major problem (not to mention the bank robberies, serial rapist, drug related shootings,etc...). Hence, yes, crime in this area is definitely a problem. Also, just today in our neighborhood, the police picked up two teenagers whose backpack was filled with burglary tools...and guess what? They were already on probation for home invasion! Yes, crime is a problem, and will continue to be so until the justice system commits to being serious about punishing crime instead of being more worried about the rights of criminals and allowing plea deals and lenient punishments (probation for a serious crime like home invasion is pathetic!). By the way, I'm glad that nobody innocent was injured during this cowardly crime.

CPLtownie

Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 5:04 p.m.

Until society stops excusing bad behaviour (starting at birth) this is the result we will reap. everyone gets a pass, everyone gets an excuse. wasn't that way when I was growing up.

The Black Stallion3

Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 1 a.m.

We need to punish criminals to the point that they will never want to commit another crime and end up back in prison. Why do so many people feel more sorrow today for the criminal than they do for the victims? Put them into an environment that they will fear to return and we may just stop some of this nonsense.

Ron Granger

Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 12:24 a.m.

@pbehjatnia: "To everyone here who still say that the increase in crime has nothing to do with.." What crime increase? Post the actual crime stats to support your point, but don't make it up. The last article I saw on the topic of crime stats said that crime is actually DOWN.

CPLtownie

Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 5:06 p.m.

Less cops = less preventative crime investigation. Those reports the cops made when they prevented a crime were part of the crime stats. Less cops, less reports, stats drop. It's the city hall shell game.

Ron Granger

Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 1:15 p.m.

JRW, do you have any more unsubstantiated conspiracy theories you'd like to share?

Jack

Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 3:03 a.m.

JRW - Hogwash

JRW

Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 12:39 a.m.

A lot of cities these days are under reporting crime stats for political reasons. I don't think crime stats are all that reliable. There was an article on this in the NYTimes a while back.

pbehjatnia

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 10:48 p.m.

To everyone here who still say that the increase in crime has nothing to do with the fact that e.g., on any given weekday evening we have only 2 patrol cars on the streets, I say use your head. Before the extreme AAPD cutbacks made by THIS MAYOR and THIS CITY COUNCIL, we had an admirably low crime rate in Ann Arbor. Since the cutbacks it would seem that the word is out: Commit all the crime in Ann Arbor that you like. After all, there are almost no cops left to catch you or stop you. Of course, your tone will change if it's you who gets robbed, assaulted or raped. And @Mike: the guys hands are black. I doubt it is makeup. Hate to burst your bubble but all races commit crimes.

Jack

Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 3 a.m.

The crime rates have gone down since cops were laid off so your premise is based on a false foundation. It has only very recently gone up a bit.

Sallyxyz

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 10:35 p.m.

Very scary situation. I'm glad no one was hurt. Let's catch these thugs and reinstate more police in A2!

KMHall

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 9:37 p.m.

I don't think he'll be bothered again. The robbers didn't get enough to cover their gas expenses.

Ron Granger

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 9:30 p.m.

These types of crimes have been happening for decades in A2... The difference is that we get better coverage, and quicker updates, from the internet. Btw, I think the sawed off shotgun in the video is a 10 or 15 year felony. So these are some desperate individuals who Just Don't Care.

Chudate

Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 8:52 p.m.

Funny how criminals don't follow weapons laws, isn't it?

Major

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 10:08 p.m.

I was going to say, the sawed off made this crook as dumb as they come!!

james

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 8:42 p.m.

I think it would be better if clerks had a little button behind their desk (or even using a small button in their hand) that allowed them to activate a small set of explosives underneath the entrance of the store. Criminals would think twice before robbing a store again. Even if it takes a few blown off limbs.

a2citizen

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 11 p.m.

Why not a large set?

KMHall

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 9:31 p.m.

That would make it rough on the young couple who live upstairs.

bobslowson

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 8:04 p.m.

WOW that video is crystal clear...better than 99% of bank robbery cams/pics I've seen in the past. It's too bad that by wearing full costumes, these hoods are unlikely to be caught (unless they are going around bragging to their friends about it)

The Black Stallion3

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 7:44 p.m.

Sorry to say but as Detroit moves closer and closer to Ann Arbor you will see more and more of this type of crime happening. Thank the system we have, prisons, that are something like hotels for criminals. We no longer punish criminals but supply them with room and board, free internet, free education, color-cable TV, radios, phones and anything else they may need, oh yes basketball courts and weight rooms also. Why would any of these criminals fear going to prison? We can only blame ourselves for allowing this to happen.

Robert Hughes

Sat, Apr 21, 2012 : 12:07 a.m.

Here's a choice paragraph from The Nation's article highlighting the kind of punishment one may encounter in prison: Today, Pietrovito is 44. A SCI Cresson psychologist says that in addition to his developmental problems, he has been diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder and antisocial personality disorder. Sources told the DOJ last year that Pietrovito was languishing in Phase 5, with no sign of being moved out. His mattress was removed, so he slept on concrete. He was stripped of his clothing and shoes and issued a nylon "anti-suicide smock"—a tear-resistant garment with an open back. Not a "hotel for criminals". A prison, where your rights are stripped away, and you are left with fear.

Robert Hughes

Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 11:52 p.m.

Prison life: http://www.thenation.com/article/167459/why-are-prisoners-committing-suicide-pennsylvania

KeepingItReal

Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 11:49 p.m.

Please review the FBI stats for violent crimes committed by race in this country. You will see that whites commit more violent crimes than any other group in this country. What we should be concerned about is the fact that we have so much crime period and that drugs are driving these acts like nothing else. As a citizen of this country, I am especially concerned that we are losing the battle against the illicit drug trade.

Robert Hughes

Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 9:54 p.m.

Maxwell, I'm referring to BS's insistence that prisoners have it easy.

Maxwell

Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 3:24 p.m.

Truth is Detroit is moving any closer to Ann Arbor - so what exactly are you saying here?

Robert Hughes

Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 2:57 a.m.

If you think that what "Black Stallion" says is true, then I suggest that you visit someone who is in prison. You'll find a very different reality than the one suggested.

Jack

Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 2:53 a.m.

Actually, leaguebus, your comment is more racist than the one you criticize. Detroit has a much higher crime rate than a2. It stands to reason that if that City's populace moves closer to a2, our crime rate would go up. There is no racism there. But there is racism on your statement that people who support Zimmerman are racist. Get a grip.

The Black Stallion3

Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 12:54 a.m.

Say what you want but what I have stated here is truth even though some have a hard time admitting it. Oh, I am not racist but I don't skirt the truth like some will.

AfterDark

Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 12:25 a.m.

@leaguebus: Is it racist if statistics support it?

leaguebus

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 8:56 p.m.

That Detroit comment was pretty racist. Sounds like a George Zimmerman supporter.

Some Guy in 734

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 8:11 p.m.

"Detroit moves closer and closer to Ann Arbor"? Unless there are some fault lines I'm unaware of, or some implausibly severe annexation, I'm fairly sure nothing of the kind is happening. You wouldn't, by any chance, be using "Detroit" as a code word, would you?

Cash

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 7:58 p.m.

"We no longer punish criminals but supply them with room and board, free internet, free education, color-cable TV, radios, phones and anything else they may need" All false. No color tv furnished. No internet. No EDUCATION. (thus no job chance when released) No radio unless a family can send funds to purchase from the state. Few can. NO PHONES. The state phones are all monitored, limited and cost a mint per minute. But keep watching those movies.

UlyssesWrong1

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 7:31 p.m.

I know this place as Mr.Lee's, a classic staple of Ann Arbor for us living on the north side. The clerk in the video is Mr.Lee's son and he's a very nice guy. Sorry to hear this happened to them. Some of those in the comment section seem to be patrolling any and all crime stories in Ann Arbor in an attempt to make us think crime is some kind of huge problem in Ann Arbor. The truth is crime ISN'T a problem but obviously we're not immune to crime, as some of these people seem to think is our attitude about our city. I'm glad nobody was hurt in this story.

Cathy

Sun, Apr 22, 2012 : 1:07 p.m.

A robbery with a shotgun isn't a problem? Are you kidding me? Get your head out of the sand.

Kathy Smith

Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 5:44 p.m.

Yes, Mr. Lee's has been around for a long time and most of the kids in Ann Arbor's north side have been in there at one time in their life. They are very nice people and I'm so glad nobody was hurt.

Ignatz

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 7:22 p.m.

I can see a use for some Claymore mines.

Roy Munson

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 7:21 p.m.

Crime is a problem in Ann Arbor. Stop kidding yourself and take precautions to protect yourself.

bunnyabbot

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 7:09 p.m.

maybe a camera or two outside would have helped to see if they got in any particular vehicles or put on or removed their masks outside.

Ron Granger

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 7:05 p.m.

This crime was NINE days ago. What was the "hold up" in releasing the video to the community?

G-Man

Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 11:11 a.m.

Perhaps A2 News was waiting for someone to call them and tell them about the robbery......

Jordan

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 8:24 p.m.

Maybe before they let it out, they had leads that could have found them. Is it necessary to let the cat out of the bag and make them flee immediately.. or say "oh, nothing happened, I'll settle down here" to be able to catch them? investigation 101.

oldblueypsi

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 7:11 p.m.

Probably had to get signed releases from all participants to avoid violating their rights by posting this on the internet.

Ron Granger

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 7:04 p.m.

Crime is everywhere. There will always be robberies in Ann Arbor. The police cannot be on every corner. Nor do we want them to be. Unfortunately, there will alway be dudes willing to risk pointing shotguns at people in small time robberies. Some people have the fantasy that if we spend less on parks, or art, that those people will magically disappear. It doesn't work that way.

Cathy

Sun, Apr 22, 2012 : 1:05 p.m.

I guarantee that these perps are not first-time offenders. Let's keep the criminals IN PRISON where they belong.

james

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 8:40 p.m.

This is true. It's just sad the many of the citizens don't see this. This shows us why we need to be able to defend ourselves.

CPLtownie

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 8:10 p.m.

No one expects them to disappear. But having more police patrol curbs unwanted behaviour.

Major

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 6:55 p.m.

The cashier dude wasn't even phased!! Calm and cool, and did he flip em off at the end, or was he just knocking ash off his cig...all in a days work in the lawless "new Ann Arbor"! Wish he had his own iron under the counter!!

Chudate

Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 8:49 p.m.

I agree with N. Todd. Might have gotten them on the way out though! :P

N. Todd

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 8:32 p.m.

Unfortunately, or perhaps fortunately, the cashier either didn't have or didn't reach for his own weapon. I don't see where in the video he would have had an opportunity to defend himself with it. The armed man, for what it's worth, kept a pretty close eye on the cashier; only really looking away to peek at the cash drawer where the clerk's hands were at the time. A few very quick glances at his accomplice, but nothing that I can see that would give the cashier an opportunity to arm and/or defend himself. My guess is that the end result was better for the clerk and his family than if he had 'tried' something.

Jordan

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 6:46 p.m.

Someone reported a robbery, and school cutbacks have everything to do with this issue! Please. Ann Arbor is still a "safe" town, and has great things about it. But it's not going to be perfect all the time. People are going to not have enough money to survive and try something as "stupid" as this. Maybe instead of stating we need a new mayor.. why don't you go out there and help? Firing a mayor because of *A* robbery is just silliness. Ann Arbor has these cutbacks because no one wants tax hikes, and the city doesn't have the money to be able to just give everyone everything. Why don't we take more away from the Fire Dept? Oh wait, I'm beating a dead horse. It's already been done. I will still say that Crime is not a problem in Ann Arbor. Go look at any town outside of Ann Arbor. Ypsilanti? Yeah, their crime rate is higher. Belleville? Yup, that place too. How about going further east? Dearborn? Inkster? follow Michigan Ave towards detroit Mr. "CPLtownie". Maybe carrying that gun will become more necessary. I do agree about more officers though. And doesn't Ann Arbor have it's own k9 unit? Why would we use Campus Cops for a City deal? *shrug*

CPLtownie

Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 8:41 p.m.

@girlnextdoor U of M and the city do not want people to know what goes on - the University because it wants to portray the school as Utopian, the City because they want to build monuments to their egos.

GirlNextDoor

Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 1:43 a.m.

@CPLtownie & justcurious: Only a tiny percentage is ever reported here; we never hear about everything. Why is that? On April 5, during AAPS spring break, I was taking my son and some other boys to Pioneer at 8:15 AM for baseball practice. When we pulled into Pioneer lot, there were 4 A2PD vehicles surrounding one car, and 3-4 teenagers were on the ground. Looked like something pretty serious was going on. I found out later in the afternoon, directly from an officer, that the teens had pulled a gun...did that ever make the news? No. Luckily school was not in session, but there were a couple of the baseball boys waiting at the locked door of the locker-room.

Mike

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 10:23 p.m.

It's still legal to own a firearm. I'd suggest you get training and buy one.

CPLtownie

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 10:17 p.m.

@justcurious. So true. Never heard about the stiff they pulled out of a car in a Stadium apartment complex's parking lot in feb. I have a friend that lives there, nice apartments, and he ate his dinner watching true crime right out his own front window. Never heard about that.

justcurious

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 10:09 p.m.

Jordan, get yourself a scanner app. Crime IS a problem in Ann Arbor and the surrounding area. You just don't hear about all of it. I would say that a tiny percentage ever ends up reported by the news sources.

chris

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 8:25 p.m.

I spend quite a bit of time in Detroit. I feel just as safe there as I do in Ann Arbor these days.

Jordan

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 8:22 p.m.

Axing the art program. I don't know much about this so I won't go into detail.. But I doubt just axing the art program is going to fix everything about the perceived(or real) police shortage. A police officer would not be in the store if we had more working at one time. And politically correct? Where was I politically incorrect? The only thing I could see "questionable" is me calling a police officer a cop. But when you know as many COPS as I do, it's not derogatory in any way shape or form. And we have to equate everything around us. Ypsilanti is Ann Arbor's "suburb", same with Dexter/Belleville/Scio Twp/Etc. We are the "big gun" outside of Detroit, and our surrounding cities are the burbs. Or the places people go to live a bit more "cheaply". Do you think that these people lived within 2 blocks of where they robbed? No. They could be from anywhere. This is the world we live in, not in a Ann Arbor bubble. I've lived in Ann Arbor my ENTIRE life, and what gets me the most is that we *still* act like we are the best and when ONE bad thing happens in the town, it's going down the tube. It's silly. We all need to keep our eyes peeled, there are ALWAYS going to be bad people in the world, and they CAN come to our town.

CPLtownie

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 8:09 p.m.

*A* robbery? Read the news much? 4 robberies last week, tons of B & E's, a woman getting her face punched in broad daylight and robbed in the arb, people being approached at knifepoint and robbed at 11pm on Williams, phones being snatched from hands, again in broad daylight, robberies in the mall parking lot, assaults on Liberty - - - shall I go on? Keep telling yourself crime isn't an issue. PS my niece lives in Detroit, and I hang out there often. I don't see 1% of their tax dollars going for Art. I don't hear their mayor saying he's "comfortable" with police & fire cuts - they make due with the tax base they have to work with. I love hearing how crime isn't an issue in Ann Arbor, yet in the same breath people don't feel safe walking on State St and elsewehere. And, @Jordan, that would be Miss CPLtownie to you.

azf

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 7:09 p.m.

of course Ann arbor was never as safe as some people imaged it TO BE, in fact crime is a little higher in some spots of city so lets not talk about enviable boarders between, Ypsilanti,Belleville and Ann Arbor.

easy123

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 7:02 p.m.

Sorry, i do not live in Ypsi or Instar for a reason. Please do not equate the two. And let 's do get politically correct either

John of Saline

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 6:56 p.m.

"[T]he city doesn't have the money to be able to just give everyone everything." Well, then, ax the art program, for starters.

Linda Peck

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 6:37 p.m.

Let's get the increased officers on the job. Why does everything have to take months to move forward when there is a need for this to happen?

annarborkid

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 10:09 p.m.

Correct!

Craig Lounsbury

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 6:30 p.m.

If that happened to me I'm pretty sure I'd need to change my underwear after.

JDed

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 6:19 p.m.

never even put his cigarette down

joe golder

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 6:42 p.m.

DNA on it!

Craig Lounsbury

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 6:38 p.m.

say....isn't smoking indoors a "crime"? Hopefully it wasn't lit.

DNB

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 5:34 p.m.

Very scary stuff! I'm glad the clerk is okay; lucky!

CPLtownie

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 5:29 p.m.

Ok, everyone who has repeatedly stated crime is not a problem in Ann Arbor, let's start hearing your denials. I'm just glad these perps didn't hurt anyone. It's just sad what has transpired with all the comfortable cutbacks and 1% art program. When is the mayoral election coming up? Follow that question with council elections as well. Disgusting.

nowayjose

Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 3:18 a.m.

@MIke, how can you say Officers usually dont prevent crime. Did you go out and interview criminals that were going to commit crime but didn't when they saw a officer? Whether police deter crime or not is almost impossible to messure. I understand crime will happen no matter how many police, but I would argue that more police would have a positive effect on crime.

SMC

Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 1:58 a.m.

If there were more police officers, the robbers would have picked somewhere outside of Ann Arbor to rob, Mike. The crime rate is always lower when the criminals feel there is a greater likelihood they'll be caught. That's why Ferndale has a lower crime rate than the neighboring city to the south.

eagleman

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 10:52 p.m.

Mike, the news reported that he was DESCRIBED as being black, meaning that the victims gave the description of the perpetrators. That is not racial profiling.

KINGofSKA

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 10:29 p.m.

@Mike the video showed their bare hands. At least, I assume it's hands, the video isn't the greatest quality.

Mike

Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 10:22 p.m.

So what you're saying is a police oficer would have been in there when they robbed the store? Or did you have another point. Crimes will be committed no matter how many police offices there are. They don't usually prevent crimes, just investigate and try to capture the perps afterward. I would also think you would be offended that the new is identifying them as black, that seems like profiling..........