Man deliberately ran over ducklings with a Hummer, Ann Arbor police say
A 19-year-old Ann Arbor man was arrested Monday night after he deliberately ran over four ducklings with a Hummer in a McDonald's parking lot, Ann Arbor police said.
He was taken to the Washtenaw County Jail, where he is expected to be arraigned on charges this afternoon, Det. Sgt. Brian Jatczak said.
At about 6:15 p.m., Jatczak said, the man stopped at the drive-thru window in the McDonald's parking lot at 2675 Plymouth Road. Two of the man's friends were in the Hummer with him, Jatczak said. As they were picking up their order, one of the passengers got out and attempted to pick up a duckling, police said. A duck and at least 8 ducklings had been walking around in the lot, Jatczak said.
"Employees at McDonald's yelled at him to stop," Jatczak said.
The man got back into the Hummer, which left the parking lot, pulling into an adjacent lot for about 15 minutes while the men ate their food, Jatczak said. Witnesses told police that the Hummer then returned to the lot and ran over four of the ducklings, Jatczak said. Police said the man drove the Hummer away without stopping.
Police were called and obtained a description of the Hummer. Officers caught up with a vehicle that matched the description at a nearby gas station and interviewed the three men, Jatczak said.
The driver was arrested. Charges are pending.
Lee Higgins covers crime and courts for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached by phone at (734) 623-2527 and email at leehiggins@annarbor.com.
Comments
Scot
Wed, May 4, 2011 : 9:51 p.m.
My initial reaction was... "Why are we wasting time on someone killing a duck?", however I didn't realize he came back and ran over the ducklings. Sorry dude, but you have to pay for your crime. You deserve what you get.
Hospadaruk
Thu, Apr 28, 2011 : 5:54 p.m.
His mom - <a href="http://www.annarbor.com/news/two-huron-high-school-students-plead-guilty-to-misdemeanor-charges-in-vandalism-of-police-car/">http://www.annarbor.com/news/two-huron-high-school-students-plead-guilty-to-misdemeanor-charges-in-vandalism-of-police-car/</a>
PCmaniac
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 2:29 p.m.
How ironic! Someone is accused of murdering innocent birds near a business where they merrily cook and eat the remains of murdered innocent birds. I wonder if any of the "witnesses" were eating chicken sandwiches.
Sciomanone1
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 1:02 p.m.
It seems like he is a weathly student and I am sure the University of Michigan will help him get out of this. Gary would be a good person to give advise he has had alot of problems with the Police in Ann Arbor and he does know how they treat people and with him recently just out of prison himself, I am sure he would know about crime.
Anthony Garcia
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 3:17 a.m.
I see it now ... as your post quotes "As a reminder, we do not allow comments that speculate about the mindset of a person suspected of a crime, nor do we allow name-calling or advocating for a specific punishment." and "phrase your comments in a way that does not presume guilt on the part of the suspect." WHAT IS THE POINT OF YOUR REPORTING?? Why ... WHY did you even run the article?????????????????????????? READ THIS LOUD AND CLEAR: You KNOW that by proxy, your very running of the report WILL SUGGEST HIS GUILT .... YOU **KNOW** THIS!!! If you can't deal with that THEN DON'T RUN THE ARTICLE. Otherwise, BY YOUR OWN PIOUS MORALITY you are being irresponsible and sensationalist! Do you think that news exists in a vacuum, devoid of the public's interaction with it?? What kind of bizarre self-absorbed censorship is this?? Are you going to censor this too? This is the first time I've come across your website and I am shocked at your offensive behavior. If I didn't know better I'd suspect you were high-schoolers running the site. I've got a good mind to start hounding your advertisers and let them know just how offensive your bizarre, anti-American censorship is.
WhyCan'tWeBeFriends
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 5:56 a.m.
I believe my comment was just censored so agree completely with your point here.
free
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 3:53 a.m.
They have no advertisers left. That's why they're not a newspaper anymore.
actionjackson
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 2:33 a.m.
@Will Warner Most probably why you work alone. "still be in jail" No one wants to work with someone who finds this type of behavior fine, even forty years ago. Good Luck in your endeavors.
Chris 8 - YPSI PRIDE
Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 8:44 p.m.
I want to post a comment but what I have to say will be immediately deleted. I am nothing but outraged about this incident.
Sciomanone1
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 2:49 p.m.
YOU could ask Gary Hann to write it for you, it seems like the things that he writes does get to stay on any site that he does write on.
Kelly Davenport
Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 7:23 p.m.
As a reminder, we do not allow comments that speculate about the mindset of a person suspected of a crime, nor do we allow name-calling or advocating for a specific punishment.
Rebecca
Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 7:18 p.m.
Driving a Dummer....enough said....
mun
Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 6:53 p.m.
Yeah, what a real man, plowing over ducklings! I wonder what he's like with people.
RJA
Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 6:49 p.m.
I can hardly believe someone would do this, if this person is found guilty, I hope they throw the book at him. Please don't try this on Bemis Rd. That is where many ducks and babies live. (near the prison) I always slow down, or stop to make sure they get across the road safely. (the majority of people do) The Hummer, needs not come to this area. If Judge Morris should be the judge, I hope she loves little ducklings!
Jen Eyer
Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 6:12 p.m.
A reminder to please phrase your comments in a way that does not presume guilt on the part of the suspect.
lumberg48108
Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 7:20 p.m.
why cant posters presume guilt or innocence? Posters are not journalists and have no standards to aspire too ...they should be allowed to make comments - ignorant, factual, stupid, or clever The very act of "commenting" means you are likley taking a stance on something ... Your (.com) comments make no sense!
klatte
Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 5:59 p.m.
Taking migratory waterfowl out of season is a very serious offense, the young man won't be charged with animal cruelty alone. <a href="http://www.fsa.usda.gov/Internet/FSA_File/eo13186.pdf" rel='nofollow'>http://www.fsa.usda.gov/Internet/FSA_File/eo13186.pdf</a>
Lola
Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 5:50 p.m.
"MI ST 750.50b (2) Except as otherwise provided in this section, a person shall not do any of the following without just cause: (a) Knowingly kill, torture, mutilate, maim, or disfigure an animal. (b) Commit a reckless act knowing or having reason to know that the act will cause an animal to be killed, tortured, mutilated, maimed, or disfigured. ... 3) A person who violates subsection (2) is guilty of a felony punishable by 1 or more of the following: (a) Imprisonment for not more than 4 years. (b) A fine of not more than $5,000.00 for a single animal and $2,500.00 for each additional animal involved in the violation, but not to exceed a total of $20,000.00. (c) Community service for not more than 500 hours. " Where is the psychological counseling section of the "punishment"? Someone who is sick enough to kill animals (and adorable baby animals at that!) needs a lot more than jail time, fines and community service. As others have said a person who does this is mentally ill and has a high probability of moving on to harming humans in the future. This is the time for intervention.
Soothslayer
Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 7:24 p.m.
Yep this is a key moment in this youth's life. A turning point if you will. I'm all for rehabilitation and support, combined with a veritable mountain of community service.
Basic Bob
Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 5:43 p.m.
The vehicle should be confiscated as a criminal tool.
Soothslayer
Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 7:23 p.m.
Absolutely as evidence, it should be impounded until the sentencing at which time it can be auctioned off to pay the fines/fees for everything. In Ann Arbor with PD and FD jobs on the line we need to balance the books!
4 Fingers
Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 5:19 p.m.
Whats a 19 yr old doing in a $50,000.00 truck anyway?? Maybe his Parents shouldn't have spoiled him so bad, and he'd have a better conscience and not 'Act out" because he was told no by a McDonald's employee. They should have him do comm service at the humane society and see how they euthanize animals. That'll change his tune.
Wolf's Bane
Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 5:18 p.m.
Let's just pray he doesn't get a merciful like Judge Morris. I really hope this guy gets the maximum punishment allowable under the law. An example has to be made that animal cruelty will not be tolerated!!!
Audion Man
Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 5:16 p.m.
Baby animals are cute by design... precisely so you don't kill them. If you have someone who does... that indicates to me that they lack some basic innate human controls. If you can kill a duckling for kicks, I probably don't want you as a babysitter. Just sayin'.
free form
Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 5:07 p.m.
I'm completely disgusted by this senseless act of violence. Equally disgusted with posters who try to make light of this event and kinda scared of the posters that don't seem to understand that this behavior is unacceptable and ILLEGAL!
Barb
Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 5:14 p.m.
Not to mentioned probably indicative of being capable of other violet acts...
Tom Joad
Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 5:02 p.m.
Last time I checked a 19 year old was an adult. You know what they say about people who do cruelty to animals: Future abusers and even serial killers...A name would helpful.
Ricebrnr
Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 4:56 p.m.
Maybe we need to raise the licensing age to 21 anf run background checks before allowing one to drive... yah that'll fixit..
WhyCan'tWeBeFriends
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 5:36 a.m.
I'm thinking we need to license people before they procreate. yah that'll fixit.
Not from around here
Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 4:48 p.m.
Is there anyway for annarbor.com to follow up with a name, discription, ect? I want to make sure to keep an eye out for this (deleted) and make sure he says away from my pets and Children!
Will Warner
Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 4:47 p.m.
If, forty years ago, we reacted to teenage stupidity the way we do now, I would still be in jail.
Will Warner
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 4:42 p.m.
action, what are you doing to that frog in your mouth?
actionjackson
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 2:20 a.m.
Probably had something to do with Unions right Will? You are showing your hand now admitting to something like "still be in jail" Our trade picked finer young men than described in this article.
Audion Man
Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 5:54 p.m.
@Will Warner Nineteen is getting to be a little old to be written off as teen stupidity. And it is a worrysome level of stupidity. I think legal smackdown is quite called for here.
Will Warner
Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 5:08 p.m.
"Even fourty years ago I would never had though this would be an approprate activity." I didn't say it was appropirate. I said it was an act of teenage stupidity.
Not from around here
Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 4:50 p.m.
Well maybe you should be then. I was a kid too and as a avid outdoorsman (and yes that also means hunter) I had and have a deep respect for wildlife of all kinds. Even fourty years ago I would never had though this would be an approprate activity.
FredMax
Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 4:16 p.m.
>>Officers caught up with a vehicle that matched the description at a nearby gas station... The vehicle model is significant to the story; the police found the Hummer by simply checking the nearest gas station.
treetowncartel
Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 4:15 p.m.
Obviously, this kid needed a little more Grizzly Adams in his life.
Townie
Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 4:05 p.m.
Glad that police found this person. There was a study that showed that young people who hurt or killed small animals often turned to people as they grew older.
A2K
Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 3:59 p.m.
Looks like intent-to-harm on not just the driver's part...disgusting. Poor wee little duckies~
loves_fall
Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 3:53 p.m.
Wow, that's just sick. Good for the cops for catching him.
Craig Lounsbury
Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 3:51 p.m.
"a clown teen does something stupid with his car..." "Stupid prank ..." To my way of thinking the nature of the incident is a bit more severe
Hmm
Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 3:44 p.m.
Worst thing you can be nowadays is an animal abuser or a pedophile. Stupid prank is gonna cost this young man some years of his life. Lesson learned the hard way!
loves_fall
Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 4:11 p.m.
Oh and another thing -- what do animal abusers and pedophiles have in common? They prey on those that are most vulnerable. I don't think it is wrong or should be surprising that there is more outrage directed at those who would harm animals or people who lack the capacity to defend themselves and who hurt for cruelty or pleasure's sake than those who commit crimes against peers or with more practical motives.
loves_fall
Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 3:54 p.m.
"Stupid prank"? Sorry, taking life -- ANY life -- is more than a prank. It might be popular in video games, but there's a line.
Awakened
Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 3:36 p.m.
If he had been driving a Prius he could have escaped because wouldn't have to stop at every gas station.
Craig Lounsbury
Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 3:49 p.m.
:)
genericreg
Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 3:28 p.m.
post name like other criminal
BHanson
Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 3:13 p.m.
There was a boy in my neighborhood when I was a kid who tortured kittens. He later grew up to be a very, very mentally unhealthy adult. Reading about this made me sick to my stomach, and I wonder what kind of person this young man will be in the future!
lumberg48108
Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 3:11 p.m.
Got to love ann arbor -- a clown teen does something stupid with his car (been happening for decades mind you) and people want to place blame or causation on the make and model of the vehicle ... why was the vehicle even identified except as to how the police caught them? why was the model in the headline? why is it relevant? If it was a Fusion - would it be in the headline? of course not - its because anyone who drives a hummer is evil its just simple math ... everyday I read .com the ann arborites never fail to amuse me
Soothslayer
Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 7:21 p.m.
Read my reply under Grace1 above. Its not (really) about the vehicle although the fact that this happened in a Hummer just supports what we "tree huggers" feared all along but had a hard time proving. Hummer owners could care less about the environment and nature in general as witnessed by thier purchase and use of said vehicle.
millermaple
Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 4:07 p.m.
Hummers are based on the Humvee military vehicle , they look like a tank - the Hummer advertising did promote a violent agenda and it gets a whopping 13 mpg. Stop and picture this criminal in a smart car, it's not the same!
Craig Lounsbury
Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 3:45 p.m.
Its hard to argue the relevance of the vehicles make I'll agree on that point.
ZHWARD
Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 3:01 p.m.
"What law did he break?" Killing/Torturing am Animal MCL 750.50b punishable by up to 4 years in prison
millermaple
Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 3 p.m.
There have been rather tame ducks nesting for years at Plymouth Mall. how terrible. Will the man's name be posted?
StephanieCelkis
Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 2:59 p.m.
Listen, I understand those that think throwing him in jail seems a bit much...but not really. I was actually suprised to hear that they did. But I am glad. Many studies have proven that when children show disregard to animal life and brutally abuse or kill them, that they are heading in a bad direction. That it usually won't stop there. These were living creatures and the kids involved had no remorse. Harsh and quick consequences are important to help this kid learn before its too late, if it isn't already. Using a vehicle as a weapon is seriously dangerous thinking and feeling. It may seem silly to do all of this over a duck, but perhaps this may get him the help he needs or simply teach him a lesson before he shows disregard to a human life on the highway showing off in his Hummer. Its not a stretch. Lets hope he learns from this, and that the parents take action on it and not try to excuse it. What the parents do next defines them, not thier childs choices leading to this. Those are his own. Just my humble opinion.
Soothslayer
Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 7:18 p.m.
Agree this boy needs to get help asap. Rememer he RETURNED to the McDonalds lot to carry out the act, this was a first degree premeditated act of someone that needs professional help. Characteristics of Serial Killers via Wikipedia: "They are involved in sadistic activity or torturing animals" <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serial_killer" rel='nofollow'>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serial_killer</a>
bruceae
Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 2:56 p.m.
Since he used the vehicle to commit a potential felony was it impounded also?
Craig Lounsbury
Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 2:54 p.m.
I find the deed as reprehensible as many others and hope he is punished to the extent the law allows. Having made that clear and adding the disclaimer that I am an omnivore and eat meat, I will suggest those ducklings may have met a kinder fate than many of the chickens and cows that provide much of the fare at the restaurant that "hosted" the crime.
loves_fall
Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 4:22 p.m.
Yeah, sad but unfortunately true. In addition to just being unsanitary and miserable living conditions, I think the factory farm industry has a lot of employees who enjoy hurting animals. I guess it's another reason to buy free range animals locally instead of a Big Mac.
Craig Lounsbury
Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 2:56 p.m.
let me add the "if he is guilty" disclaimer
ferdcom
Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 2:52 p.m.
Lee, You really don't need to qualify every sentence with "someone said". Once a paragraph is enough.
Eric J. Klooster
Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 2:51 p.m.
MI ST 750.50b (2) Except as otherwise provided in this section, a person shall not do any of the following without just cause: (a) Knowingly kill, torture, mutilate, maim, or disfigure an animal. (b) Commit a reckless act knowing or having reason to know that the act will cause an animal to be killed, tortured, mutilated, maimed, or disfigured. ... 3) A person who violates subsection (2) is guilty of a felony punishable by 1 or more of the following: (a) Imprisonment for not more than 4 years. (b) A fine of not more than $5,000.00 for a single animal and $2,500.00 for each additional animal involved in the violation, but not to exceed a total of $20,000.00. (c) Community service for not more than 500 hours. Via <a href="http://www.animallaw.info/statutes/stusmi750_50b.htm" rel='nofollow'>http://www.animallaw.info/statutes/stusmi750_50b.htm</a>
Michael
Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 2:41 p.m.
This is horrible, but what law did he break?
Amy
Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 4:55 p.m.
See above
Ignatz
Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 2:38 p.m.
Despicable.
Grace1
Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 2:25 p.m.
It was a cruel and unconscionable act. However, blaming the parents as "BAD parents on all accounts" is unfair. Perhaps when the parents knew, they were very upset and disappointed. Parenting is a rewarding, but difficult job. Not everything that a child does is reflective of his/her parent(s).
trs80
Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 2:15 p.m.
Guess Mommy should of thought twice about letting JR take the 'ol Hmmer for a spin. What comes around goes around. He will get his soon enough.
Top Cat
Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 2:11 p.m.
This was an awful thing to do but certainly does not warrant arresting someone was putting him in the hoosegow.
loves_fall
Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 11:28 p.m.
@Another_Michael: That's not really what I meant -- I don't think that all, most, or even anything approaching many incidents like this will necessarily lead to worse incidents in the future. However, of the bad things that do happen in the future, I suspect that most if not all will have been preceded by less serious incidents. Just knowing that this incident happened isn't enough to know whether prison or community service is the right punishment, but whatever it is should be based on his past history and his motives for doing this. If he's apologetic and was truly caught up in a moment of stupidity, then I think community service would be fine. If he's not, if this wasn't a first incident, etc., then maybe something harsher is in order. The bottom line, to me, is that regardless of whether it's a first-time offense or a repeat offense, it needs to be taken seriously and we need to send a firm message that this behavior is unacceptable. Otherwise, if we're lax or if we write this one case off because it's not horrible enough, we send the message that it's OK and help create favorable conditions for the commission of worse actions down the road.
Another Michael
Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 6:05 p.m.
loves_fall: I read your prior comment to mean that the kid should be treated harshly now so that he doesn't commit worse crimes in the future. You seemed rather adament that it would happen. That's a dangerous road to travel. Correlation is useful for describing trends in populations; let's not use it to prognosticate for individuals. His punishment should fit the crime he's actually committed.
Another Michael
Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 6:04 p.m.
free form: Different interests indeed. The kid is 19, and he made a bad decision. His gesture was stupid and cruel, and it deserves redress. That doesn't mean he's a danger to society who needs to be branded with a felony conviction. A visceral reaction of moral outrage, I understand. Insisting that he deserves to have his life ruined, I don't.
loves_fall
Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 5:27 p.m.
I don't think he needs to go to prison to be punished -- but I do think it's completely appropriate to arrest him, haul him off to jail till he makes bail, and make a big deal out of this, because it is a big deal. He isn't guilty of anything he hasn't done yet; however, if we let him or anyone slide on something we know to be correlated with more heinous acts down the road, we are putting them at greater risk for doing something that will ruin their lives and possibly the lives of others.
free form
Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 5:12 p.m.
Since my first reply was apparently not "appropriate" I will try again... Another_MIchael, Felony animal cruelty charges serve my interest perfectly. If the suspect is found guilty of this awful crime I want him punished. Apparently we have very different interests.
Another Michael
Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 4:53 p.m.
loves_fall: So now he's guilty (of yet-to-be-committed crimes) until proven innocent? The kid deserves a fine and/or community service to teach him a lesson, if he is indeed guilty. Charging him with felony animal cruelty, thus potentially ruining his life over one stupid and thoughtless gesture committed at age 19, would not serve anyone's interests.
loves_fall
Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 3:56 p.m.
Killing animals for fun, particularly with no regard for life, is a big warning sign that the kid is dangerous towards others in society. If we don't catch and punish people early, you can bet people down the road will be complaining and asking why no one did anything sooner.
Wolf's Bane
Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 2:10 p.m.
What is wrong with people these days?
Not from around here
Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 4:54 p.m.
A culture that objectifies women, despises education and sensitivities and makes heroes out of people who thinks it's manly to fight dogs? We're spiraling out of control here.
Soothslayer
Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 2:08 p.m.
Oh no he didn't. As if the envoronmental rap for Hummer owners wasn't (although deservedly) bad enough. This act is unconscionable. BAD parents on all accounts.
Soothslayer
Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 7:08 p.m.
As if operating a Hummer in any manner except a large flower bed didn't already commit enough crimes against nature with its considerably more negative environmental impact than any Saturn. Stop red herring about taxes, revenue, "greater good of the economy (aka Wall Street) and the like. This is about what's good for NATURE, HUMANITY and our PLANET. Old ways are old.
ferdcom
Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 3:05 p.m.
Don't knock the Hummer owners, they generate a lot more sales taxes (school funds) then the Volt owners. What does the make of the car have to do with this anyway. If he was driving a Saturn would that make the headlines.
Mr. Ed
Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 2:08 p.m.
Very sick, A person that drives a hummer has no concerns about the environment or our resources. Not this person of course I would not want to speculate.
Goofus
Tue, Apr 26, 2011 : 2:02 p.m.
I seriously hope they throw the book at him.