Woman sexually assaulted on South First Street in Ann Arbor
Updated: Police chief: Ann Arbor sex assault could be related to 6 previous attacks
A 20-year-old woman was sexually assaulted early Tuesday morning in the 400 block of South First Street in Ann Arbor, a University of Michigan police crime alert said.
The woman was walking south about 12:01 a.m when a man walked up behind her, grabbed her arm and then her waist and fondled her chest and groin areas before she broke free, the alert said. Police said the man left northbound on foot.
Marchers at a "Take Back Our Streets" rally in July passed out fliers with images of the man believed to be responsible for 6 sexual assaults that month in downtown Ann Arbor. Police said they're investigating whether this week's attack could be related.
Chris Asadian | AnnArbor.com
The woman reported the assault about 4 p.m. Tuesday, he said. It occurred near the intersection of South First and West William streets.
The attacker was described as white or Hispanic with darker skin and a medium build and height. He was wearing a baseball cap pulled down in front, the alert said. He had lighter color hair coming out of the back of the cap and was not clean shaven.
In the other 6 attacks, two women were raped, two were groped and two were grabbed before breaking free. One or two men are believed to be responsible for those attacks, police have said.
Ann Arbor police Lt. Mark St. Amour, who heads the detective division, could not immediately be reached for comment this morning.
University of Michigan police spokeswoman Diane Brown noted that while the attack did not occur near campus, the public safety department remains on a heightened state of alert and officers are receiving updates from Ann Arbor police.
"We want to encourage everyone to be aware and to be vigilant and if they feel comfortable engaging in some risk-reduction strategies, we encourage that," she said.
Anyone with information can call the Ann Arbor Police Department's confidential tip line at 734-794-6939.
This map shows the locations of the 6 attacks in July. Place your mouse over any location to see more information on each incident.
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
deb
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 10:07 p.m.
Why are young women STILL feeling it necessary to walk in the depths of night alone? I live way out in the country, and still my parents taught me to only walk alone at night if needed, certainly not in an area where several sexual assaults have already taken place. I will never blame the victim, but what does it take for people to wake up and think before you leave the house/dorm/bar/wherever you are? I wish this latest young lady, and all the victims the best of luck in the future, and I implore the thousands of others to use your brains, THINK!!! And realize, that though we wish it were true, not everyone out there has the best of intentions. Stay safe, don't travel alone.
Arieswoman
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 7:44 p.m.
Well, AA.com took my comment off. What a shame that freedom of speech is dead. All's I said is I am sorry about the attack but feel women need to be in groups when going out at night. Sorry.....
julieswhimsies
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 5:23 p.m.
I'm thinking about the young women who said they felt "comfortable" walking alone at night. Even if this sexual predator(s) is caught, you are NOT SAFE! Never let down your guard. Never walk alone at night. I cannot emphasize this enough. Therefore, I will share with you a part of my story. When I was 16 years of age, I was at a gas station in the evening in a "safe" area of town (Indianapolis) when five men jumped into my car, abducted me, took me to a vacant house, tortured, and repeatedly raped me...holding me for nine hours. I live with this trauma every day of my life. I know my story is extreme, but a sexual assault of any nature is extremely traumatizing to women. I don't care whether she was just groped, or the act was completed. It is traumatizing! Bad people are out there, even in the lovely city of Ann Arbor, and surrounding areas. Women should come together, and set up an escort program, so that no woman needs to walk alone at night. The number of the escort service should be posted everywhere, and women should have this number on their phones. Band together for safety. I know how young women feel. They feel it could never happen to them. It can and does. I'm also wondering whether or not the city has a rape crisis team. Carrying a weapon is a VERY bad idea. Women are often caught by surprise...and their own weapon can be used on them. Take care, ladies. Please! Take care!
Kara Marie
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 4:34 p.m.
Just catch him/them already. I want to feel safe walking in Ann Arbor again..
RJA
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 4:06 p.m.
@ braggslaw, Great idea, go for it. (but don't use a gun) a good kick in the groin, and pepper spray would get him down and you would have time to call 911. Can you get a couple friends to do the same? (not walking in the same area of course) but not that far seperated either. (light hair in the back could be attatched to the cap. Go get em!
ombudsman
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 3:31 p.m.
to suggest guns as a solution is foolish. more often than not, guns promote harsher, more excessive violence than they do peace (as is their nature). where in this situation, or nearly every other sexual assault, do you see a gun being any sort of solution? best case scenario she leaves it at home, worst case scenario he ends up using it. i feel like the resources expended by understaffed and underfunded law-enforcement trying to keep up with the recent trend of violent crimes (that could be prevented if our city wasn't victim to under-policing) probably exceeds the cost of hiring a few more cops.
Davidian
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 6:31 p.m.
Please cite your evidence... Oh gee, you can't. Because it's not true.
Ricebrnr
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 3:48 p.m.
Please provide sources for your statements. Stories daily of successful armed self defense can be found at Keepandbeararms.com As well as citations and statistics to disprove your assertions at gunfacts.info
Chris 8 - YPSI PRIDE
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 3:10 p.m.
How aboot some cooperation from neighboring police agencies placing two or three closely watched decoys on the streets under close surveillance by another officer. This is done in Ypsi with the prostitutes and johns. The area's where this is happening are not so big that a few decoys being closely watched by a male detective could walk around. I think we would have the perp in custody in no time. Probably would also solve a few other crimes at the same time. Eventually an angry mob is going to get this person and he will be tried convicted and sentenced within a few seconds. This will result in people that were doing the right thing landing in the wrong place. Jail ! ! !
Armenian
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 3:01 p.m.
All ladies need to buy papper spray!
Goofus
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 3:21 p.m.
Pap that Rapist!
Fredric
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 3:01 p.m.
Why wasn't this reported right after it happened,? they may have had a chance to catch this sick SOB!! But waiting until 4pm the next day, No chance. !!!
lugemachine
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 2:39 p.m.
This area is not so very far from Slauson Middle School. That is disconcerting.
Joel A. Levitt
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 2:33 p.m.
It's time for the city to offer women self defense courses and for women to begin carrying weapons, such as serious knives.
Ricebrnr
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 3:40 p.m.
Brass knuckles are illegal. Mace is illegal (MI approved Pepper Spray or OC is not) ANY weapon requires some knowledge and training to employ effectively. They are not for brandishing and if the circumstances require that it be drawn then it should be employed quickly and fiercely. You are fighting for your life after all. And FYI, thugs, police and martial artists alike agree, they generally fear blades above all others in a fight. Food for thought.
EyeHeartA2
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 3:02 p.m.
I wouldn't want my daughter to carry a knife. Honesty, I would rather her a gun, mace or something like brass knuckles. I knife fight seems like it could end badly for the victim.
redhead74
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 2:22 p.m.
There is a way to bring change to Ann Arbor. This City Council does not listen to the public. They only follow the mayor like little puppy dogs. I have sent numerous emails and NEVER received any answer. Almosty every curent Council Member has a Republican or Indepenent candidate running against them in the November election. Send a message. Don't just pull the party ticket. Look at the candidates and ask yourself if your rep has truly represented you. VOTE!!
braggslaw
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 2:17 p.m.
Maybe I will dress like a girl tonight and go for a walk with a .45 or 9mm.
MIKE
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 5:59 p.m.
Hey, you may enjoy it! Maybe you could start doing it for fun, without the gun. Get your drinks for free, and who knows what else!
Ricebrnr
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 4:36 p.m.
don't wear white
Craig Lounsbury
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 4:28 p.m.
be sure your purse doesn't clash with your shoes
EyeHeartA2
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 2:51 p.m.
I suspect even with the heals you won't fit his victim profile. Just a guess.
lugemachine
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 2:33 p.m.
Good luck there, Charlie Bronson!
Mick52
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 1:58 p.m.
Here is a good example for a city the size of Ann Arbor to maintain its own dispatch center with one important aspect and that is if your dispatchers are very aware of the layout of the streets. It is very valuable to have that knowledge to enhance response time and get locations accurately. For example sometimes a caller will give an intersection of two streets that do not cross. I hope the new dispatch arrangement has addressed this, but with laying off A2PD dispatchers I don't see how.
lindsay erin
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 1:16 p.m.
Not jumping to conclusions, but the description of the attacker sounds very similar to the images that were posted on AnnArbor.com awhile back (besides the hair color--but that could be inaccurate if the attacker was wearing a hat). This is extremely frustrating for me. When I was a student at U of M and was walking alone past 10 p.m., I carried mace in one hand and something to defend myself (AKA beat the $%&* out of someone) in the other. I encourage all women to protect themselves and stay alert of their surroundings, even if we go a short period without hearing about another attack. Also, look into the transportation options provided late night by the U of M so you don't have to walk alone!
Wolf's Bane
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 1:01 p.m.
This sounds like a copy cat criminal. He is not as violent or forceful as the psycho and did not actually rape her.
lugemachine
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 2:32 p.m.
Only two of the previously reported six attacks were 1st-degree criminal sexual conduct. One of the reported attacks was just a grab around the neck, so not certain if intent was to rob or assault in that case. Could be the same person.. could be a different person.
jwsina2
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 12:30 p.m.
Art vs. Police -- I'm completely frustrated by this! Wrote an e-mail to my city council rep on 9/4 -- still have not heard back from her...this is what I wrote. My expectations must be way off. Just a quick note about a big concern of mine and my husband's, our neighbors and many concerned citizens. Putting aside the general understanding for the need in Ann Arbor for art...we get that...we need police and fire more. What would need to be accomplished for the city council to vote on the issue of moving money from one bucket to another? If the city council cannot vote on this issue, because it was voted on by the citizens, how many signatures need to be obtained for this issue to be voted on by the citizens? Please respond.
Bill
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 2:14 p.m.
The Petition Center could be created by an artist and would likely have immediate approval by the mauor and city council! Keep writing the city council representatives and the mayor. If no response is received, repeat the message indicating Second, Third, Forth, etc. Request.
Mick52
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 1:53 p.m.
Based on real experience, I might add that your council person may be lagging in a response to you because they are writing thank you notes to citizens who write in support of the art funding. People on both sides of issues write and any change is likely only if an overwhelming number of people responded. Your post gives me an idea. Wouldn't it be practical and efficient if the city had a single location where any resident could go into and fill out or sign a petition on any issue. Call it a Petition Center. You go in and originate a petition and just pass the word along for people to go there and sign. That would eliminate the need to staff street corners with people holding clipboards and once in the Petition Center, you can peruse all the petitions in the hopper.
KeepingItReal
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 1:45 p.m.
Been my experience with Rapundalo as well. That's why I did not vote for him in the primary.
BornNRaised
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 12:59 p.m.
That Ann Arbor city council is notorious for ignoring residents. Anyone who wishes to argue that should try writing them and asking your elected 'officials' a question. Especially Rapundalo.
Fatkitty
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 12:25 p.m.
Interesting that the first 3 attacks in July occurred during a full moon. Full moon this month began Sept 12. Is this the beginning of another "cycle"? And where was this guy/what was he doing the whole month of August? Still sayin' he lives within a mile or two of the attacks. Should be relatively easy to pin him down, i.e. if the AAPD had the fortitude to go door to door within a 3 mile radius. Someone out there knows something, has seen something......
Goofus
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 3:23 p.m.
Full moon...so the question remains: Dracula, or Wolfman?
EyeHeartA2
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 2:49 p.m.
"At that time they forced blood samples for DNA testing from approximately 165 "black muscular men" in Ann Arbor. This time it's white guys. Should they do door to door blood draws of all white males?" If you are going to compare, please answer these two quesions: 1. Per your accounting, they forced samples from 165 black men that fit the description - so why would you force samples from ALL white males, even those that don't fit the description? 2. DNA samples can now be from saliva, so why would you ask for blood? One likely answer to both questions is that you are race baiting. I would have no problem if they asked for a similar number (or more) samples from people who fit the description of the perpetrator.
Ron Granger
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 2:17 p.m.
Door to door, eh? Maybe they can do it like the rape attacks in the 90's. At that time they forced blood samples for DNA testing from approximately 165 "black muscular men" in Ann Arbor. This time it's white guys. Should they do door to door blood draws of all white males? And just what are they going to do? At what time are they going to do this? How long are they going to wait for someone to answer? Are they going to ask everyone in the house to come out, be searched and be questioned? What other calls are they going to ignore while they do this?
Fatkitty
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 1:26 p.m.
There are, currently, approximately 150 AAPD officers. That's 5 officers for every square mile. Given the critical nature of this situation, it would be prudent to reassign officers to cover the State Street/William Street area, utilizing U-M DPS officers as needed, neighborhood watch volunteers, etc.. Just sayin'...... if they really want to catch this guy, it can be done.
BornNRaised
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 12:57 p.m.
Door to door? With what? The 3 officers on duty at a time?
Craig Lounsbury
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 12:09 p.m.
Its just not safe for women to walk alone late at night. I don't think that sad fact will ever change.
MjC
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 11:55 a.m.
It was only a matter of time before this coward (or copycat) showed up again. The city and UM need to bring a more visible police presence around town to send a message to creepers out there. And all of us need to stay alert, stay safe, and be ready to provide assistance or dial 911 when we see any kind of suspicious activities. My heart goes out to the victims.
tim
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 11:54 a.m.
Sounds like the same guy to me.
golfer
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 11:47 a.m.
ok lets spend our money on art vs police. maybe the idle fines will cover police and stil get your dumb art? how about just thinking first before spending. maybe you will figure it out soon.
kulse012
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 11:43 a.m.
Well at least the city is doing its best to protect us from the evil new head shop....honestly, let's get some more cops and put them to work on what truly matters, protecting the city from dangerous people like this.
Ricardo Queso
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 11:41 a.m.
1% for art ...
Davidian
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 11:31 a.m.
This makes me absolutely sick. I hope that he encouters the wrong woman and she just shoots the guy in the gut. Or better yet, he's caught in the act and an angry mob tears him apart. Maybe I need a repeat class in civics, but our justice system is too good for a serial predator.
Davidian
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 11 a.m.
A visit to Dick's to buy a gun may be in order.
Davidian
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 6:29 p.m.
Ron, is there ever an assault where the the victim is fully expecting it?? I was the victim of a home invasion and I would've certainly been killed had I not takent the steps to defend myself. I'm sorry if you think it's ok to lie down and get raped or killed but I don't. That's your choice though.
Wolf's Bane
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 4:35 p.m.
I hate guns, but if they can't protect us, we need to.
Ricebrnr
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 3:35 p.m.
@ Ron On point one: Due to female anatomy and just plain preference, if she appendix carried like a great deal of female CPL holders do then you would be incorrect. She could've under those circumstances possibly retrieved her sidearm. On point two: While I dispute just how "good a chance", sure it's possible, but then again, having a wounded, dead or caught predator is also a great possibility, isn't it?
Not from around here
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 2:53 p.m.
Keep it local, Try Mill Creek in Dexter. They have a great selection and a indoor firing range. They also let you rent range guns so you can try it before you buy it. And Ron, I agree, if your going to carry one, you need to learn how to use it. You have no way of knowing if there was a "good chance" she would have gotten a gun taken from her however studys have shown that even with an attack from behind, most moderatly trained people can still position themselves to bring a gun to bear.
Ron Granger
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 2 p.m.
She was grabbed from behind. She would never have been able to grab her gun. And there is a very good chance it would have been taken from her.
Ricebrnr
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 1:14 p.m.
Dick's isn't open yet. Go to MC Sports in Briarwood. Get your purchase permit first from the appropriate agency if you don't have a CPL. Look up the many fine trainers in our area and get training! Join us at migunowners.org for lots of great people and info.
thorj97
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 10:31 a.m.
I hope our leaders are still feeling quite comfortable with the gutting of public safety in Ann Arbor. It's truly bewildering how our city decides to spend our money. We don't have money for things like public safety or crosswalks, but when a recycling business asks for a bail out (due to a bad business decision), there's plenty of spare discretionary cash to top them off. Why?
SMC
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 3:36 p.m.
It's not the recycling bailout that is responsible for the gutting of public safety; thanks to the budget reduction to the police department, we now have more park rangers and public art!
Bill
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 2:10 p.m.
Face it people, Ann Arbor priorities are misguided. The "leadership" and I use that term loosely, in Ann Arbor stopped listenting to the citizens a long time ago. I agree with thorj97, why did Ann Arbor need to bailout the recycle program? Why is Ann Arbor spending money on an incentive program for recycling which seems of little interest to citizens? Why is Ann Arbor continuing to funnel money into funds for non-essential programs? It's time for a change on the city council and in the mayor's office.
Chimay
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 1:47 p.m.
It is truly bewildering how uninformed you are. First, it wasn't a bad business decision; it was an error on the part of the consultant involved. Second, the gap in the contract was just over $100,000, which *might* cover the cost of one additional officer. Third, despite the gap that was covered, the city pays nowhere near what it did for recycling service three years ago. Lastly, we've got one of the last few not-for-profit recycling services left in the country. Would you prefer that they fold and that a for-profit firm is brought in? That would cost significantly more. The police have time to raid dispensaries around town - small businesses that are causing no harm to anyone. Seems to me the police have all the resources they need.
Mick52
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 1:46 p.m.
It's not beside the point, it is exactly the point.
Jeff Gaynor
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 1:03 p.m.
This is so besides the point. As though there could ever be money to put police on ever corner. As though we would want that. As though the recycling money would cover much in the way of police costs.
Ricebrnr
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 10:18 a.m.
She did. She fought back, broke free and got away. Good work!