Man tries to steal purse on AATA bus in Ypsilanti
Ypsilanti police investigated an attempted purse-snatching Wednesday on an Ann Arbor Transportation Authority bus.
According to a news release, a heavyset black man who is missing front teeth and was wearing a camouflage coat assaulted two women, ages 17 and 20, and tried unsuccessfully to steal a purse before he was forced off the bus near East Michigan Avenue and South Prospect Street.
The women got off the bus soon after, and the man again tried to fight with them, police said.
A bystander intervened on their behalf, and the women were not injured. Police hope surveillance footage will help identify the man, who was further described as 35 to 40 years old and 5-foot-8 to 5-foot-10.
Anyone with information is asked to call Ypsilanti police at 734-483-9510.
Comments
dading dont delete me bro
Thu, Jan 27, 2011 : 5:52 p.m.
camouflage coat? was he going to hide in the city somewhere?
M.
Thu, Jan 27, 2011 : 1:46 p.m.
The description sounds like a guy we have run into on the bus trying to sell stolen electronics. If it's the same guy, along with his missing teeth, he has some crazy hair similar to that of Buckwheat. I've always felt pretty safe from that kind of thing on the bus. I think this guy must be more desperate and crazy than most. I do not see this incident as a sign that crime is growing "worse"; this almost never happens. An increased amount of officers would not help either; they do not patrol on city buses where this occurred. They can't be everywhere all of the time.
Bill
Thu, Jan 27, 2011 : 1:45 p.m.
Interesting how the bus driver didn't intervene or call for the police for back up. Instead, a stranger had to endanger himself to rescue the women! I think this speaks volumes about the AATA.
M.
Thu, Jan 27, 2011 : 2:24 p.m.
Not really. I have seen drivers kick people off the bus, but I believe they're under strict rules about what to do in such situations (like physical contact). There is always at least one camera on the bus, and sometimes multiple. Obviously the police were called and nobody knows who called - so much speculating, and everyone here is such an expert. It doesn't really say WHAT the driver did. Sorry but I love AATA for everything they put up with and do for us. It's a great bus system and this incident only tells to the desperation of some people. All the drivers know that route is the most dangerous and troublesome.
af3201sps
Thu, Jan 27, 2011 : 12:32 p.m.
Crazy story for sure. What did the bus driver do to help? Can't the driver call police from a bus? I live and grew up in Ypsilanti Twp and am pretty tired of the crime getting worse here. Seems to be as bad as I remember or it just grows worse in spurts. I have lots of friends in law enforcement and my brother is a cop. We need more officers especially in the township. Maybe they will catch this thug. He shouldn't be to hard to notice.
RJA
Thu, Jan 27, 2011 : 5:52 a.m.
You are probably right Ricki, and I hope they catch him soon.
Ricki
Thu, Jan 27, 2011 : 1:40 a.m.
No more bus rides for him, after he is caught and is out of jail.Ankle express only!
Bill
Thu, Jan 27, 2011 : 1:46 p.m.
Doubt it. It is Ypsilanti and he it was an attempt. He did not succeed.