Man in custody after shooting Sunday morning outside Dream Nite Club in downtown Ann Arbor
An Ypsilanti man remains in custody this afternoon, suspected of shooting a man in the forearm this morning in a parking lot next to Dream Nite Club, where fights broke out after the club let out, Ann Arbor police said.
Police arrested the 20-year-old man after he fired at least two shots and left the parking lot on South Fourth Avenue about 2 a.m., Lt. Mark St. Amour said.
The victim, a 22-year-old Westland man, was taken by ambulance to University of Michigan Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, St. Amour said. He also had been assaulted, St. Amour said.
“From all accounts of witnesses, he was trying to stop the fight and get everybody out of there,” St. Amour said.
Dream Nite Club is located at 314 S. Fourth Ave. in downtown Ann Arbor.
Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com
Police also arrested a 23-year-old Westland man who fired at least two shots into the air, but released him as Washtenaw County prosecutors decide whether to file criminal charges. He had a permit for his handgun, St. Amour said. The man who remains in custody did not have a permit for his handgun, police said. St. Amour said two guns were seized.
Another man was injured during the fight and was treated at University of Michigan Hospital and released, St. Amour said.
According to St. Amour, the fighting started inside the club. It's unclear what prompted it.
A group of 10 people were together at the bar, when several of them got into a fight with several other people. The group left and headed toward their cars to leave, but were followed by a group of between 30 and 50 people, St. Amour said.
Words were exchanged and pockets of fighting broke out, police said. Police said the 20-year-old Ypsilanti man opened fire.
The 23-year-old Westland man, who was with the group trying to leave, fired shots into the air, apparently trying to get the other group to back away, St. Amour said.
It marks the second serious incident at the club this month. On May 1, a man cut two men in the face and a woman in the leg with a sharp object during a fight on the club's dance floor.
No arrests have been made in that case, police said today.
Attorney James Cmejrek, who represented Dream Nite Club in the past, could not be reached for comment today.
This spring, the club faced a non-renewal of its liquor license for unpaid back taxes and in March, the club planned to set up a payment schedule.
City Council member Stephen Rapundalo, who chairs the city's liquor license review committee, said in his opinion, the club has not been doing enough to prevent fighting and other problems there. He said he thinks the latest incident will provide enough just cause for the city attorney's office to go to the courts and demand some kind of action be taken against the business.
City Attorney Stephen Postema said he will be reviewing the police report on the latest case and exploring the city's options. He said the city has worked to shut down other clubs in the past, including Studio 4 and The Fifth Quarter, which closed in April.
“We will be moving forward against them,” he said. “Any time there’s a crime of this nature, we have a concern.”
The man who is in custody is expected to be arraigned on criminal charges Monday.
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
James
Wed, Jul 20, 2011 : 6:39 p.m.
I like how many people are saying "toting wild west hooligans from Ypsi and other surrounding areas" and ypsi and westland are mostly a African American population i dont know why A2 news does not remove these RACIST post yes us AFRICAN AMERICANS exactly know what you mean by Ypsi and Westland area "holligans"
Tru2Blu76
Tue, May 31, 2011 : 9:49 a.m.
Well - in this case the prosecutor is slow on the uptake. Mainly because: they seem not to know that it's a violation of Michigan's concealed carry law to attend any BAR (business getting most of its income from sale of alcohol) WHILE CARRYING a concealed handgun. So the guy with a license who fired into the air WAS subject to immediate arrest. That they let him go - indicates that he'll end up in court and will pay a fine, at least. It's a "middling" significant violation: which may well result in arrest, possibly a substantial fine and possible suspension or revocation of one's CPL. A six-months suspension is common for first offense. DON'T think about what happens if there's a second violation. I wonder though if his discharging his gun won't bring further charges. Depending on the exact circumstances, he could face charges ranging from violation of the ordinance against firing a gun within the city to something like "reckless endangerment." Apparently - the police believed the man's account, which stated that he was trying to prevent further pursuit and harassment by a large number of apparently hostile people. This makes it a self defense issue. It's a "new concept" to many even though the current law on self defense is now nine years old. Firing a gun "in a harmless direction" for self defense purposes IS allowed.
Rachel Toombs
Mon, May 30, 2011 : 10:31 p.m.
My friend and I were standing across the street trying to figure out where we parked when we happened and it was definitely way more than a few shots... more like two rounds. Thankfully two police cars showed up almost right away and came out with their guns drawn. This club needs to be shut down. It angers me how my friend and I could have been shot by stray bullets because a gang of idiots decide they're going to work out their issues with gun fire.
Tru2Blu76
Tue, May 31, 2011 : 10:05 a.m.
Just FYI: "two rounds" is the same as "two gun shots." A "round" is the term applied to a cartridge - in some cases, it refers to the bullet which is part of the cartridge. "I fired two rounds" is the same as saying "I fired two shots." Sorry that it IS confusing - this is the result of the evolution of the English language. There's a combination of archaic and more modern vocabularies particularly in the area of "small arms" (like handguns, rifles and shotguns). I agree with you: if a bar like that is constantly attended by violence prone individuals, it should be shut down. I live one block from that place and I walk past it frequently (at all hours). I am a legally armed citizen with decades of handgun experience. I DREAD the possibility that I may one day have to shoot someone (an armed customer there) in self defense.
Mick52
Mon, May 30, 2011 : 7 p.m.
That building seems to be a violence magnet.
andralisa
Mon, May 30, 2011 : 5:53 p.m.
Boy, I wonder if there is a substantial pay off to the city attorney and Mayor, for this to have continued for so long
paul wiener
Mon, May 30, 2011 : 3:54 p.m.
Nothing could be worse for Ann Arbor or the U-M than for this place to still exist. It's shameful and disgusting that it still does. Maybe posting these news stories to alumni, area newspapers, blogs and parents of students would get some action. That so little is happening is yet more proof of how destructive the disappearance of print newspapers can be to a community.
SW40
Mon, May 30, 2011 : 3:39 p.m.
contributing factor
SW40
Mon, May 30, 2011 : 3:33 p.m.
We need to be able to discuss race without people being labeled as racists. Part of whats wrong with our country is that political correctness has gotten out of control. Are drunk college kids a problem in Ann Arbor, Absolutely. Are most of them White, Yes however this was an article about a shooting at a night club shooting not underage drinking. We need to be able to have a conversation without making the "what about this other problem" arguement. The crime rate amongst african americans is much higher then the rest of society, the high school drop out rate is much higher, the amount of african american males involved in the criminal justice system between ages 18 and 30 is 25 times higher then other races. Nationwide 37 percent of young african american males are involved in the criminal justice system as either incarcerated or on parole or probation. This is a national tragedy. We owe it to the african american community to address these issues, we need to start working with children in the black community earlier and providing a better support system to help keep them out of this lifestyle of drugs and violence. But most of all what we can't do is pretend their isn't a problem and stick our heads in the sand. A nightclub that is frequented by mostly minorities had a shooting, this is one in a string of several violent altercations in the same night club. Detroit is a city with a majority african american community, it has the highest violent crime rate in the country. Listen folks this is a conversation for grown-ups about a real problem in our community, crying about racism doesn't help solve the problem and it doesn't help start a dialogue about what will solve the problem. I pray for the victims speedy recovery and that Ann Arbor closes this nightclub, but in the long term I pray our society grows up a little bit and begins to talk about the "elephant in the room". Race might not have caused this shooting, but it was a contr
Anthony
Mon, May 30, 2011 : 11:21 a.m.
Again, Necto keeps it's place running with minimal rif-raf. I still don't understand how things like this are allowed to happen in ANY establishment. Granted Necto runs what seems to be about fifty bouncers, but it works. I have never felt threatened there, as if there is any altercation, the bouncers are there like Ninjas.
dogpaddle
Mon, May 30, 2011 : 1:27 p.m.
And Necto has gay night on Friday nights, one of its busiest. Perhaps the city should force Dream Nite owners and patrons who are guilty of inappropriate behavior to take lessons from Necto and the LGBT population.
Bear
Mon, May 30, 2011 : 8:36 a.m.
Uhmmmm, Dream Club = Studion 4. Same location, just a different name. Get it together A2.com And yeah, it didn't take a rocket scientist to figure out it would be business as usual once the place re-opened under a 'new' name. oh, and discharging a weapon within the city limits is a crime, whether you have a permit or not. Gimme a break. Besides that, even if you have a permit to carry a concealed weapon, there are certain places you cannot carry them and I believe bars are one of them, along with schools. Jeez....
2WheelsGood
Mon, May 30, 2011 : 11:55 a.m.
Michigan does not have a CCW. It's a CPL (Concealed Pistol License) because it covers pistols only. You still can't carry other weapons.
Bear
Mon, May 30, 2011 : 8:42 a.m.
now tell me a crime wasn't committed, even if he has a permit.
Bear
Mon, May 30, 2011 : 8:41 a.m.
It is illegal, even with a CCW license to carry a concealed weapon in a restricted area such as a school, courthouse, police station, legislative building, college or university, bar or location that serves alcohol or near a jail or correction facility
drew_blows
Mon, May 30, 2011 : 6:09 a.m.
I drove down 4th ave Sat night/Sun AM around 3:30am leaving work and the police had the caution tape at that small private parking lot between Dream and Champion Restaurant/Automobile magazine building. So this time the violence didnt take place in the 4th and William parking structure, where it normally does. That small parking lot is fenced off with a gate. Cant it be secured after a certain time, especially on the week-end?
smokeblwr
Mon, May 30, 2011 : 2:03 a.m.
Yet another violent crime committed in our city by people from OUT OF TOWN!!! If we Ann Arborites wouldn't let our daughters out at night for dancing then we wouldn't be attracting this undesirable element into our midst.
Bear
Mon, May 30, 2011 : 8:43 a.m.
yep u sure are blowin' smoke with that one, smokeblwr.
ypsicat
Mon, May 30, 2011 : 1:31 a.m.
Bring back Maude's, that'll fix the problem. Mmm, baby back ribs!
Lovaduck
Mon, May 30, 2011 : 12:45 a.m.
As Dolly Parton sang years ago,"Here you come again"!
psaume23
Sun, May 29, 2011 : 11:57 p.m.
Deja vu all over. The city attorney ought to do his job and address this matter. What does it take? It is also suggested that the Dream Nite management be pro-active and impose its own remedies, such as serving only hot cocoa and coffee with treats, no alcohol, and setting a closing time of 11:00 p.m.
djm12652
Sun, May 29, 2011 : 11:25 p.m.
"City Attorney Stephen Postema said he will be reviewing the police report on the latest case and exploring the city's options. He said the city has worked to shut down other clubs in the past, including Studio 4 and The Fifth Quarter, which closed in April." Isn't Dream Nite Club where Studio 4 operated? Same place just a new name.
Bear
Mon, May 30, 2011 : 8:44 a.m.
yes, it is indeed. But don't expect the 'knowledgeable staff at AnnArbor.com to know that.
Bubur Hatin
Sun, May 29, 2011 : 11:13 p.m.
this establishment has been a pain in the @$$ for along time now sucking up city resources (police hours, investigators, attorneys, etc.). new names (from studio 4 - fifth quarter, and now dream night club) seem to be created each time they get a sanction - new name same operators same crowd (from out of town) same problems different dates! when it this going to stop? mr. postema -- would you (at least for a change) put the hammer down and not allow the operators to play "let's change the name" game?
LMP
Sun, May 29, 2011 : 11:13 p.m.
Its amazing how all of the night club negative news is always focused on the establishments that cater to minority crowds (MAINLY AFRICAN AMERICAN). Incidents can and do happen anywhere, but none as magnified as venues hosted by a minority crowd. Sure something happened out side the club, but the club can only control what goes on inside without risking safety of the employed security. Why is it that when the university host crowds of over 110,000 and roads are blocked off and thousands of people (also underage) walk around drunk, there are no articles about that. Lets not kid ourselves, there is a elephant in the room and its race! But we all comment and try to pretend that its not the issue.
James
Wed, Jul 20, 2011 : 6:35 p.m.
@djm12652 as i recall a man brought 2 semi auto machine guns to a football game posing as a National Gaurd person to get onto the field...which he did and i guess he couldve done alot more if he didnt want to just "get on the field"
Tru2Blu76
Tue, May 31, 2011 : 9:31 a.m.
I've lived in Ann Arbor 37 years and the Dream Club is the only drinking establishment other than the old Nectarine Ballroom where violence occurs regularly. And what are you thinking when you bring "race" into this incident? Are you saying that the Dream Club is discriminating against non-blacks? It sure sound like it when you talk about 'catering to' the black minority group. Or are you saying that black customers there are making trouble for any non-blacks who choose to patronize that place? Please get your axe-grinding straight before posting.
Mick52
Mon, May 30, 2011 : 6:46 p.m.
I have never noted any difference in the reporting of violent behavior in any establishment related to the characteristics of the patrons. LMP do you have any proof of your statement that more focus is applied to establishments that are popular with African Americans?
spm
Mon, May 30, 2011 : 12:19 p.m.
I have never entered this club or any of the others that have been in the news. I wouldn't know what color any of the accused are since it's not mentioned in this article or any other article I've read. But YOU told me they were black and therefore I should give them some slack. Why? It still hasn't changed the fact a gun was fired and fights broke out. Stop seeing elephants in the room where there aren't any. It's kids behaving badly. Period.
huh7891
Mon, May 30, 2011 : 10:38 a.m.
I don't see race mentioned anywhere in the article. I don't go to bars/nightclubs in Ann Arbor and the thugs involved could be green for all I know. Sorry... pulling the race card has failed...
Bear
Mon, May 30, 2011 : 8:51 a.m.
The staff at the Blind Pig work diligently to prevent such things from happening. They are trained to anticipate trouble before it happens and take care of it before it gets to be an issue. They also will not let visibly intoxicated people enter into the club in the first place. There ARE protocols aimed at preventing such incidents, they just need to be implemented & followed.
mun
Mon, May 30, 2011 : 2:37 a.m.
That's because the "night club negative news" more often happens at this place, whether Studio 4 or Dream Nite. If there were stabbings or shootings at Conor O'Neil's or Heidelberg, I'm sure the news would also be negative too.
jcj
Mon, May 30, 2011 : 1:29 a.m.
"According to St. Amour, the fighting started inside the club. It's unclear what prompted it."
djm12652
Sun, May 29, 2011 : 11:29 p.m.
I am sorry you feel that way, but when was the last time someone got shot at a footbal game. I just don't see this type of violence at the Blind Pig or any of the other music venues in town. And I'd be willing to bet that the majority of the troublemaking attendees are not from our area.
Marshall Applewhite
Sun, May 29, 2011 : 9:41 p.m.
Why does this club still exist? I'm usually all for private property rights, but it's blatantly obvious that this place has become a public nuisance and must be shut down. Somehow this place continues to bring gun-toting wild west hooligans from Ypsi and other surrounding areas, and the city doesn't have the backbone to do what should have been done long ago.
Marshall Applewhite
Mon, May 30, 2011 : 12:12 a.m.
The guy arrested was from Ypsi.........when Ann Arbor residents begin shooting guns in the air outside downtown nightclubs, I'll make sure to mention them as well.
djm12652
Sun, May 29, 2011 : 11:30 p.m.
Please don't insult Ypsi by putting it on the same level as Wasteland, er Westland...
tdw
Sun, May 29, 2011 : 10:38 p.m.
I was waiting for the Ypsi bash
Macabre Sunset
Sun, May 29, 2011 : 9:04 p.m.
Oh, they always make the appropriate noises when incidents like this occur. It will take a death before anything substantial is resolved.
Alan Goldsmith
Sun, May 29, 2011 : 7:21 p.m.
"Ann Arbor City Attorney Stephen Postema said he will be reviewing the police report on the latest case and exploring possible legal action against the club. He said the city has worked to shut down other clubs in the past, including Studio 4 and The Fifth Quarter. "We will be moving forward against them," he said. "Any time there's a crime of this nature, we have a concern."" But Postema--where was he when this liquor license was renewed a couple of months ago, after years of incidents at the site? Another city official making a big salary who fails at his job.
Alan Goldsmith
Sun, May 29, 2011 : 7:19 p.m.
"Police also arrested a 23-year-old Westland man who fired at least two shots into the air, but released him as Washtenaw County prosecutors decide whether to file criminal charges. He had a permit for his handgun, St. Amour said." Brilliant. So shooting a gun in the air is legal, as long as you have a permit. But if I want to have red shutters instead of brown on a house on the Old West Side I might get a fine. I love this city. Lol
Rod Johnson
Mon, May 30, 2011 : 5:41 p.m.
OT: 2WheelsGood, love your handle.
clownfish
Mon, May 30, 2011 : 12:28 p.m.
Perhaps they decided that the shooter was no threat to anybody and therefore would save tax payer money by not holding/feeding him?
Wolf's Bane
Mon, May 30, 2011 : 1:22 a.m.
Actually, the second amendment gives us all the right to carry a handgun or rifle without a permit in plain site. However, you do not have the right to carry said firearm it into an establishment, but any of us could strap on a six gun and walk around on Main Street and you would not be breaking the law.
kittybkahn
Sun, May 29, 2011 : 10:33 p.m.
I don't think there are any rules about what color you can paint your house. I live on the Old West Side too and, when I contacted the Historic District Commission years ago to ask about painting my house, they told me I could paint it whatever colors I wanted. I do agree, however, that this club should be shut down since it's had so many violent incidents.
djm12652
Sun, May 29, 2011 : 10:32 p.m.
by the way, I checked my car on all side for any holes, but now that I know at least two shots went into the air [at what degree or angle?] I guess I should check the roof of my car now....
djm12652
Sun, May 29, 2011 : 10:30 p.m.
The Westland man should be held on weapons charges. Discharging a firearm in city limits...carrying a weapon into an establishment that serves liquor...he should also have his permit revoked by the issuing agency, it's obvious he is willing to break the law in my town. I demand that the prosecutors follow the law to the letter in this situation. Who knows where the bullets landed...unless I'm mistaken and they stay up in the air. Either that or ban him from our city, let him break the law in his own hood, not mine!
loves_fall
Sun, May 29, 2011 : 10:01 p.m.
Yeah, that sounds a little odd to me.
2WheelsGood
Sun, May 29, 2011 : 9:15 p.m.
No, permit or not, shooting in the air is not legal. Also, permit or not, you can't have a gun in a bar. So something about this story seems amiss.