Shots fired during robbery at Bank of America in Ann Arbor, police say
Police are on the scene of a bank robbery at the Bank of America branch at Packard and Eisenhower. - Steve Pepple | AnnArbor.com
Updated story: Ann Arbor police release surveillance photos of masked gunmen who robbed Bank of America branch
Ann Arbor police are still searching for two men who they say robbed the Bank of America branch at Eisenhower Parkway and Packard Street, firing off several shots toward the tellers inside the bank during the morning heist.
No one was injured in the 10:13 a.m. robbery. Detective Sgt. Pat Hughes said the masked men parked a stolen car in front of the bank, walked in and immediately fired several shots in the general direction of the five or six employees inside.
One customer also was inside the bank at 3201 E. Eisenhower Parkway at the time, he said. One of the robbers jumped over the counter, grabbed money, and the two men fled the scene, leaving the stolen vehicle behind, Hughes said.
They were in and out of the bank in about a minute, Hughes said.
When they fled, the robbers left the rifle behind, Hughes said. Police from multiple departments descended on the area, but the robbers remain at large.
"This was a scary event for everyone involved, obviously the bank employees and the customer inside," Hughes said. "It happened right after 10 a.m. when things are generally quiet. It's really concerning to us that something like this would happen."
Police are searching for two gunmen who robbed the Bank of America at Eisenhower and Packard this morning.
Steve Pepple | AnnArbor.com
Police said the gunmen were described as black men in their 20s, and 5 feet 6 inches to 5 feet 10 inches tall. One was wearing a blue knit mask, gray T-shirt, dark sweatpants and orange and white tennis shoes. The other was wearing a black or gray hoodie pulled up, blue basketball shorts with a white stripe running down the side and cuff, and white tennis shoes.
Hughes declined to say how much money was taken from the bank, but said some of it was recovered. He was not more specific.
The vehicle used was stolen from a Pittsfield Township apartment complex off Washtenaw Avenue late Wednesday, police said.
Numerous schools — five in the Ann Arbor district — were on lockdown near the area for several hours, police said. Those included Tappan Middle School, Stone School, Allen Elementary School, Bryant Elementary School, Pattengill Elementary School, Summers-Knoll, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School and Hebrew Day School. Students at Pattengill Elementary and Tappan Middle schools who normally walk home were held at the schools for their parents or guardians, while all bus riders went home as normal, the district said.
Ann Arbor police had extra officers in the area of the schools at the end of the day, but no one reported seeing the robbers.
Many local businesses took precautionary measures after hearing about the robbery, with most being alerted by phone calls from outside the office. Ann Arbor Police Lt. Renee Bush said the department used the city's Code Red system, as well as Facebook and Twitter, to alert residents and businesses of the incident.
Mary Foeller, a day care provider about a block away from the scene, said she locked down her facility after being alerted by a parent to the situation. She then received about 17 phone calls about it, she said around noon.
“We were inside because it’s cold and then I went outside and my first reaction was to lock down,” she said. “If we see anything, we’ll go into the basement, but we probably won’t see them unless they run by.”
Police officers were “all over the place” Foeller said, including a few that parked in her driveway momentarily.
Michael Ryan, pastor at King of Kings Lutheran Church, 2685 Packard Road, was in the church by himself getting ready for a meeting when he received a call from a parishoner. He said he could hear a news helicopter flying overhead and saw police cars.
“They’ve been robbed once before, and I hadn’t heard anything. It’s pretty scary that could happen and we could just not know,” he said.
The bank was last robbed on Nov. 5, 2009. In that 9:34 a.m. robbery, two masked gunmen held up the bank and robbed it of a large sum of money, police said at the time.
Ann Arbor detectives gather evidence from a stolen vehicle used in a bank robbery this morning.
Steve Pepple | AnnArbor.com
Hughes said the two robberies a year apart are similar, but police don't yet know whether they could be connected.
Louis Kennedy, 68, is a member of King of Kings Lutheran Church and said he wasn't too concerned about the robbery.
"It's just a little bit of excitement," he said at the scene. "I think they're desperate, probably druggies. They want money to buy a big car, new TV, who knows — trips to Jamaica? It depends on how much money they get."
Parents alerted Barbara Hutchinson at the Stone School Cooperative Nursery, 2600 Packard St.
“We locked the front door and we’re not letting the kids go outside and we’re canceling our afternoon class,” she said. “We don’t have a radio, so we didn’t know until parents called in and let us know.”
Patrick Firn, 25, rides his bicycle past the bank on almost a daily basis and stopped at the scene today.
"That's crazy," he said. "I'm rather appalled, just on how easily people are robbing stores lately, that jewelry store and now this? Especially Ann Arbor, you don't think that would happen much."

An attempted robbery occurred in the same area early this morning, when two men tried to rob a 20-year-old man at 12:25 a.m. near the intersection of Easy Street and Packard Road.
One man hit the victim on the head, while the other demanded his possessions, Bush said. The victim didn't give them anything and ran.
Hughes said that while the early morning attempted robbery and bank robbery occurred in the same general vicinity, the circumstances are different. But he said he's not ruling out the possibility they could be connected.
Anyone who has information on last week's bank robbery is asked to call Det. Michael Lencioni at 734-794-6930, ext. 49317, the tip line at 734-794-6939 or e-mail tips@a2gov.org.
- Additional reporting by AnnArbor.com's Lee Higgins and Kyle Feldscher.
Comments
jernalyzt
Sat, Oct 23, 2010 : 8:29 a.m.
In reference to an earlier post...lockdown at Pattengill involved a lot more than locking the doors and keeping kids in from recess, particularly for those with classrooms on the outer perimeter. The police obviously thought an armed suspect could still be in the area. As a parent I initially wondered if it was overkill, but now I don't think it was. Congratulations to the teachers at Pattengill, and principal Che Carter, for a job well done.
abc
Fri, Oct 22, 2010 : 12:08 p.m.
1 My references cite that VT alerted everyone on campus to stay behind locked doors where your's did not. If you don't want to call that a lockdown... Whatever it was (lockdown vs. stay behind locked doors), was 20 minutes AFTER the VT police had Chos body. Therefore it did not succeed or fail. It was null. 2 The after action reports at VT with Cho's actions excluded show that the students and teachers, the victims themselves attempted this same strategy. Would you not call what they attempted a lockdown? How effective was it? Victims were shot through doors too. There were reports of classrooms that Cho tried, but could not (re)enter, because the doors were locked / barred while people jumped from the windows or just hid. So that did prove to be more effective than NOT locking / barring the doors. 3 Yesterday was all about the assailant being OUTSIDE; no one thought the assailants were hiding in the schools.
Ricebrnr
Fri, Oct 22, 2010 : 11:24 a.m.
My references cite that VT alerted everyone on campus to stay behind locked doors where your's did not. If you don't want to call that a lockdown... I already conceded that VT's lockdown was not quite the same as a preschool - high school lockdown BUT having said that the concept of a lockdown is what? To keep teachers and students in the classroom, with doors locked to limit access to them and limit mobility for an assailant. The after action reports at VT with Cho's actions excluded show that the students and teachers, the victims themselves attempted this same strategy. Would you not call what they attepmted a lockdown? How effective was it? Victims were shot through doors too. Cho's barring the doors as you pointed out, was that not a lockdown too? Regardless of who initiated the "lockdown" the concept and affect is the same. So again I stipulate, a lockdown is fine and dandy IF THE ASSAILANT IS OUTSIDE AND can be kept there until help arrives. IF not...it's less than a good idea to trap yourself inside with them. Unfortunately do the schools train for both scenarios? Not that I've ever seen. One answer for all scenarios cuz its easy and makes people FEEL good while they wait for the rescue they hope will arrive in time.
abc
Fri, Oct 22, 2010 : 10:22 a.m.
@ Ricebrnr who wrote: There was a lockdown by the school but it came too late to do anything. I guess miss your point when you said VTs lockdown failed. It did not occur. At VT 8 am - the dorm only was locked down 9:30 am - The rest of the campus was notified of a shooting in the dorm 9:50 am - The campus was notified of a gunman on campus Also 9:50 am or so Cho shoots himself 9:51 am Campus police have Chos body 10:15 am Classes are canceled and campus is told to stay put No real campus lock down, and by 10:15 am, no more perceived threat. My pointing out Chos chains seems to prove my point; locking the doors slows things down even when those trying to enter have guns (VT police). To your points about doors and buildings, for many reasons (fire, maintenance, durability) few educational buildings have drywall and standard doors; most are pretty strong but it is true none are built to withstand gunfire. And about kicking in doors in schools, Id be careful about thinking TV shows have that right. In any case locking out the threat will at least slow down the threat so why is that bad? In yesterdays case two men with guns were known to be on foot in the neighborhood(s) and fleeing a successful (?) robbery. Why have kids playing in the schoolyard on such a day?
Ricebrnr
Fri, Oct 22, 2010 : 9:36 a.m.
@ABC There was a lockdown by the school but it came too late to do anything. But yes it is not quite the same as in elementary schools..npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=9636137 "9:45 a.m. The campus police respond to a 911 call about a shooting at Norris Hall, an engineering building, where the front doors have been chained shut from the inside. The police break in and hear gunshots coming from the second floor. When they get upstairs, the gunshots stop, and the officers find the gunman has killed himself. 9:50 a.m. Virginia Tech officials send a second e-mail, warning students that a gunman is loose on campus. They ask everyone to stay inside and away from the windows until further notice. 10:16 a.m. A third e-mail from university announces that all classes have been canceled. It also advises people on campus to remain behind locked doors and for those who are not on campus to stay away. " As you said; "Ironically and sadly, Chos lockdown worked somewhat. His chaining of the doors definitely slowed down the polices response." The one EFFECTIVE lockdown was caused by the shooter and kept his victims IN WITH HIM. Also look into the details of the victims who attempted to lock and/or barricade the gunman out of their rooms. How effective was that? NO standard interior door of ANY school or office building (other than perhaps the steel fire doors) can withstand a few bullets to the lockworks or frame. They most likely wouldn't even stand against a good kick in the right spot let alone a battering ram. Even faster than going through the door however is usually going through the drywall next to it. So if there is a lockdown and a gunman is outside. OK not too bad. If there is a lockdown and you are in the building with him? Even the police will tell you to get the hell out ASAP. So again a knee jerk one size fits all, feel good but not necessarily useful safety measure. As stated before, like duck and cover against atom bombs. Is it about safety? OR more likely is it about making those who don't know any better FEEL better? 1*
abc
Fri, Oct 22, 2010 : 9:10 a.m.
Treetowncartel wrote: Does anyone have an example of when a lock down has not worked at a school? Ricebrnr wrote: @Treetown, Virginia Tech for one. @ Ricebrnr Actually thats not true. VT was not locked down until after (or possibly during) the shootings in Norris Hall. I am not even sure that it was locked down in the same sense the elementary and middle schools in AA were since it is a university where the comings and goings of tens of thousands of people requires a lot of open doors. Nevertheless, after the first shootings in the dorm the police believed that Cho fled the campus. He showed up at Norris Hall two hours later and only after reports of shootings there was the whole campus notified. Ironically and sadly, Chos lockdown worked somewhat. His chaining of the doors definitely slowed down the polices response.
Barb
Fri, Oct 22, 2010 : 8:06 a.m.
@Arieswoman, really? You don't think they'd be in danger? I'm sure the postal service appreciates your concern for their employee's well-being.
ummsw
Fri, Oct 22, 2010 : 7:35 a.m.
Ricebrnr..Eventually they do..My experience took 18 mo. before an arrest could be made. However during the investigation they kept me informed...Hopefully this will be resolved sooner...I still say they do a great job!!
Ricebrnr
Fri, Oct 22, 2010 : 7:12 a.m.
All due respect to our police but "they do get there man(or woman)"? Ok let's be realistic, they didn't get their men or women from the robbery of the same bank last year.
ummsw
Fri, Oct 22, 2010 : 6:41 a.m.
I too was witness to an armed robbery (at another financial institute) a couple of years ago... You may have a delayed reaction to this kind of trauma, but when it hits, it can be debilitating...Counseling can be very helpful. Also take advantage of the resources offered by the Prosecuting Attorney's office...I'm continue to be impressed with the diligence of the AAPD...."they do get there man(or woman)"
Liam
Fri, Oct 22, 2010 : 5:41 a.m.
I can see Allen elementay from my house, is school cancelled today in Tappan Middle? Are the robbers still n the loose?
joe average
Fri, Oct 22, 2010 : 1:03 a.m.
I was robbed at gunpoint - with a gun to the back of my neck - about 15 years ago here in Ann Arbor; it was a terrifying event. Interestingly, I was referred to a rape counselor, which proved very helpful. The people in the bank on Thursday have surely been traumatized. No doubt the bank has an employee assistance program in place. I urge them to use this resource. While you don't ever forget an experience like this, with time it does diminish to be of minuscule importance in your life. I wish them well.
CincoDeMayo
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 11:35 p.m.
Virginia Tech is a good example. Years ago - back when I'm hearing Ann Arbor was safe (you heard that too right TruBlu?) - before 911, before Columbine, but after bomb drills (I don't want to date myself too badly...) (at least not publicly) - my friend and I were on our way home from Clague Jr.High. We were cutting through some backyards when we noticed a man hiding in some bushes. My friend wanted to help this man who seemed to be running from somebody. I thought that she was crazy and that we should hurry up and get into her house and lock the doors. Somehow I had the most sense this time and somehow I won out. (We didn't even think to call the police.) As it turns out, the police were looking for him after a murder attempt in Northwood IV. He was arrested a block away. I bring this up for several reasons: (1)There has always been serious crime in Ann Arbor. (2)Had we been taught anything close to what students are taught via lockdown drills, presumably we would have been a bit smarter in this situation. (3) Had we had lockdown drills and police with forethought back then, like we do now, we would have still been at the school (or with our parents) and not walking home like this to come across an armed and dangerous person in the bushes who we almost gave sanctuary to. I am very grateful to the police and the schools for their concern about the safety of our kids and our community.
CincoDeMayo
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 11:07 p.m.
@arborani haha I'm anticlimatic also! S/B "anticlimactic" - picky picky
rrt911
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 10:13 p.m.
Really? Some people feel that they spent too much on police investigating this crime, as it was more than what was stolen? Really?
Ricebrnr
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 10:11 p.m.
@Treetown Virginia Tech for one
mibadger
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 9:58 p.m.
Ed - have you heard anything from the AA police about two suspects being in custody or held for questioning? Pattengill parents are saying that one suspect was apprehended on the Pattengill playground after school and another was tackled by police in front of a car on Packard.
NewStart
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 8:55 p.m.
I think the stolen car left behind is just a stupid smoke screen. I think they live in the immediate area.
NewStart
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 8:52 p.m.
Orange shoes?... someone said. They are just plain lucky they did not get seen fleeing the area....unless they live nearby!
Christie Nowak
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 8:39 p.m.
To: EyeHeartA2 As a parent to two Pattengill students, I'm very thankful to the school and city staff for their efforts to keep my kids safe. These lockdown drills are helpful for exactly these situations. Perhaps you haven't witnessed one recently to understand how they work with regards to potential intruders on school property. My children were not frightened by the lockdown. They knew and understood what it was for, and what they were supposed to do. They were mostly just annoyed that many of their regular activities (like outdoor recess) were curtailed.
GreenEggsandHam
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 8:13 p.m.
Crime is everywhere and yes in Ann Arbor! More importantly it makes no differance where the "bad people" came from. Wake up and smell your Starbucks while thinking about ways to reduce crime in your beloved city.
treetowncartel
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 7:59 p.m.
Does anyone have an example of when a lock down has not worked at a school?
arborani
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 5:37 p.m.
@cincodemayo: I'm a bit anticlimatic myself. Curse you, Michigan winters!
Matt Cooper
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 4:58 p.m.
@eyeheartannarbor: Personally, if I had children I'd much rather have the lockdown knowing my kids are reasonably safe from harm, than to now have it and risk their lives being taken by some desperate bank robber who obviously hasn't a care whatever for human life. To say these lockdowns are unnesecessary (sp?) is just heartless, nonsensical and foolish. If locking down the schools in an event like this saves lives, especially that of children, than it is more than worth any inconvenience any parent must go through. I applaud the AAPS for taking appropriate action to keep Ann Arbors children safe in this situation.
CincoDeMayo
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 4:14 p.m.
But, for anybody who was concerned, it was a bit anti-climatic when I returned home. There was nobody that I couldn't identify in my basement. It was full of ruffians, but they were all family members.... I appreciate the professionalism all the way around this situation. Thanks to the schools for keeping our kids safe and to all of the police. I think the safety of the community was well defended.
E,Kraut
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 4:14 p.m.
I cant believe AA police continue to risk their lives on these punks. They caught some of the Seyfrieds jewelry store robbers and they were turned loose with not even a smack on their behind.
CincoDeMayo
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 4:07 p.m.
No, it's not. It should've been locked. IF only to keep my dog from eating intruders.
ThaKillaBee
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 3:54 p.m.
@CincoDeMayo - If you don't lock your doors, you are asking for trouble. Is it that much of an inconvenience?
Paul Taylor
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 3:48 p.m.
The obvious solution is to close all roads by all banks, making them into pedestrian malls. Only on game days, to start with.
Christie Nowak
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 3:36 p.m.
To: EyeHeartA2 As a parent to two Pattengill students, I'm very thankful to the school and city staff for their efforts to keep my kids safe. These lockdown drills are helpful for exactly these situations. Perhaps you haven't witnessed one recently to understand how they work with regards to potential intruders on school property. My children were not frightened by the lockdown. They knew and understood what it was for, and what they were supposed to do. They were mostly just annoyed that many of their regular activities (like outdoor recess) were curtailed.
Milton Shift
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 3:22 p.m.
@Ms Nash: Thanks for the clarification. If the response to this incident were significantly greater than to any other robbery, I would be disgusted.
treetowncartel
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 3:13 p.m.
Man,the fact that Tappan was designed by an architect who mainly designed correctional facilities is somewhat of an irony now. Since the other article mentions that they were in between Packard and County Farm park, it seems like it would makesense to take the same precautions at Allen school that were taken at Pattengill. Allen boarders County Farm Park.
Milton Shift
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 3:09 p.m.
Can't recall the last time a helicopter was used to hunt down someone that robbed a student. The banks enjoy a truly special level of protection.
Colleen Hood
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 2:44 p.m.
I say thank you Liz Margolis (and all the teachers and staff at Tappan) and thank you AAPD, UMPD, FBI and anyone else who was out there protecting my children and I today. I think everything done today was a success and hopefully will come to an end with the bank robbers being caught and put in jail. Thank you all and keep up the good work.
CincoDeMayo
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 2:43 p.m.
If bigfella is correct and one of the suspects was apprehended in the same clothes he was wearing at the time of the robbery it does tell you that they may not be that bright and worse yet, may still be in the area. I mean, how easy is it to make a quick change of clothes and be any average African American Male 5'6" to 5'10" tall? I hope they are not in my basement. I went home to lock my backdoor (okay, okay I know I should lock my doors, but I have one of those Rottweiller / Pit Bull mixes from the Humane Society that are so frightening...) Well, he was sitting at the top of the basement steps, looking down into the basement shaking. I didn't look. I just played my code red message really loud, locked the door and left. Now I'm afraid to go home. Okay, I think I can brace myself and go in. But on another note, Liz Margolis, thank you for informing the public about the school situation via AnnArbor.Com since not all AAPS parents are getting their notifications. But please, you let everyone know that after school activities were canceled at Pattengill, but not the other schools. It took me quite a while to find out that after school events were canceled at Tappan.
jns131
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 2:30 p.m.
Lock down essentially is what it is. Locked down. The double doors into the school are locked. The children are locked inside their classrooms. The windows are locked. They are told to stay away from the windows on first floor. If one is getting sick or needs to go to the bathroom they are escorted by someone on the outside and taken to a locked bathroom. Then walked back to class. For lunch? One classroom at a time is escorted to and from the lunchroom. We are talking almost like a prison without the bars. Try locking all of your doors and windows at home and told you can't leave your room without permission. Unless you have a television, then it is paradise. It is hard to imagine 2 robbers taking a school or classroom hostage, but if the police have them cornered? They will do what they can do ensure their safe departure out of the area. I got mine from school at 2. She was escorted out of the building with an administrator. Just glad to have her out of that area. If they don't have em now? They will sooner or later. Glad to hear all is safe and sound.
Terry Calhoun
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 2:14 p.m.
From that intersection, the cretins could head in several different directions and, at that time of the day, before lunch's rush hour, they would have had clear traffic. As for the responses: These guys were actually firing their weapons. They didn't just rob the bank, or try to I don't know which yet, they fired their weapons. While completely unafraid, and I work only a couple of blocks way, I think the lockdowns and all are a wise precaution. As was the police response. That is why we pay taxes, and this gives me a positive, warm feeling about that.
Joe Hood
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 2:09 p.m.
How does the apparent uptick in crime relate to less officers being available?
letsgoblue
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 1:51 p.m.
No walking home and no after school activities at Pattengill: Dear Pattengill Families Due to the bank robbery this morning on Eisenhower, on consultation with the Ann Arbor Police, we will not be allowing walkers to walk home today. All students who normally walk home will be at Pattengill and need to be picked up by a parent or someone on the student's green card. All bus riders will be allowed to ride home and normal pick up of students by parents will occur. There will be no afterschool actiivities or sports at Pattengill this afternoon or evening. Thank you for your patience today as this event transpired. Please be assured we were always within close contact of the police for the entire day. Liz Margolis, Director of Communications
David
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 1:39 p.m.
Financial cost to Ann Arbor? Nothing. The police on duty do not get paid any more. The fuel for the vehicles and chopper was already purchased for the purpose of protecting us.
letsgoblue
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 1:28 p.m.
A2 Police Update: AAPS students attending Pattengill Elementary and Tappan Middle Schools who normally walk home will be held at the schools for parent/guardian pickup. All bus riders will go home as normal. Ann Arbor Police Officers will be in the area of the schools at the end of the day transition today.
Beth
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 1:27 p.m.
@ummsw - that's what I'd like to know, too! I did not receive the School Messenger original e-mail and I'm very surprised the district hasn't made a further effort to let parents know what to do. I need to leave the house in 50 minutes to go and get my kids, and I wish I knew what to expect!
genericreg
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 1:22 p.m.
Listen to washtenaw county scan - say on trails and live in ypsi
Taskmaster1977
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 1:22 p.m.
I was at a business on Washtenaw Ave at the time of the robbery (my receipt was for 10:13 am) and then I headed downtown. I had to pull over 3 separate times for police cars (once by the Tappan School on E. Stadium and twice at Packard and E. Stadium), so the response seems pretty immediate. The bank was fully surrounded when I passed by around 10:45 and there were police cars leaving on Packard heading back toward Ann Arbor.
treetowncartel
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 1:22 p.m.
@ EyeHeart, Pattengill has an extensive tunnel system under the building, and it actually runs all the way out to he lower playground. Those kids could be bunkered in real good right now if need be. When I went there in the 70's we wern't hiding under desks, we down in the tunnels. That is also where they entomb the dead janitors, or so the older kids told us.
ummsw
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 1:20 p.m.
Are kids going to be allowed to leave at dismissal time?
Megarz
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 1:16 p.m.
EyeHeartA2- the kids love it, in my experience. To them its exciting and new, something different then the day to day. Its up to the teacher to keep things calm and make sure nothing is overblown. In terms of it being useful -- of course it is! When a school is on lockdown, its very difficult for any unknown persons to get into the school and even harder for them to gain access to the students. I think you have way too much faith in criminals' morality and/or intelligence.
ummsw
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 1:12 p.m.
Received the Red Alert and UofM text..All within minutes of each other. I live in that area..so appreciative of the updates
Ellen
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 12:55 p.m.
Speakup ~ I think your original comment was deleted. I don't mind admitting that I'm a bit concerned, just like a lot of other folks on here. To ridecule that concern and the action of the AAPS isn't helpful. I think most of us are just looking for more information, and worried about our childrens' or other loved ones' safety. I wouldn't call that over-reaction.
MarieT
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 12:54 p.m.
Chris, I have high regards for the police and law enforcement agencies. I do not mean to do them a disservice. The police may have already been there as you say and might have needed back-up. If, if there was a delay in the response to the robbery, was the bank's alert/security system a factor? Was the bank late in notifying the police? Was the staff being held up? or something of this sort... and we will certainly see how this will unfold. I was just wondering... maybe too soon.
Chris
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 12:54 p.m.
EyeHeartA2, so the kids at Pattengill should head out to the field in back and have recess while police officers are possibly dealing with armed robbery suspects on the same block?
Justice4all
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 12:47 p.m.
Imagine you are going about your daily business just stopping at the bank and this happens to you. Now schools are locked down, parents are worried sick, and some lunatics are running around Ann Arbor with a gun and bag of money. Please tell me how I can support AAPD, YPD, WCSO, MSP, Saline, Milan, Chelsea, Pittsfield PD, and any other officer that is out there putting there lives on the line for us to be safe.
Denise Grzesiak
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 12:44 p.m.
Even though our children are on a field trip to the Apple Orchard, the Early Learning Center is also on lock down. We are automatically notified by the Code Red system of a local emergency.
Thomas
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 12:42 p.m.
I had forgotten that I had signed up for Code RED until I received the call. A nice service and appreciated, given that I live just a sort walk away from the bank.
speakup
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 12:39 p.m.
Ellen, It's just so frustrating: 'just a couple criminals with guns who aren't afraid to use them running around the schools, churches and businesses we and our families use every day, calm down people, no big deal!'
4 Fingers
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 12:30 p.m.
times are tuff, crimes up
MyOpinion
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 12:25 p.m.
I am on both the UM and City notification system(s): 10:35 Text message (UM) 11:37 E-mail (City) Both are automated so I am not sure what the time differential is due to. I also got e-mail and phone alerts from UM. The university allows you to choose your mode of receipt.
Chris
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 12:25 p.m.
MarieT - we should let the incident come to a conclusion. Maybe law enforcement was already on-scene at the bank...who knows, but right now this stuff is pure speculation and, IMO, is a disservice to law enforcement who are currently trying to solve this crime.
MarieT
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 12:22 p.m.
At least 6 police cars were coming down Packard, driving fast toward the bank, around 11:05. That is about 45 minutes after the robbery occurred. I'm wondering why they weren't there sooner.
Beth
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 12:21 p.m.
Does anyone know if the Mallett's Creek branch of the library is open as usual?
SuperFreckleFace
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 12:09 p.m.
Surely there will be photos forthcoming. I remember the robbery last year, blue mask with smurfs on it.
bigfella
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 12:07 p.m.
i work in the area and on my lunch break i saw the police apprehending what appeared to be one of the suspects. he had on the blue shorts with the white stripe that fit the suspect description. it was across from buhr park. any update on this??
Chris
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 11:59 a.m.
Milton, I'm inclined to believe that most criminals are stupid - that's why so many get caught in backyards or garages in the area surrounding the recently committed crime.
Bob Bethune
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 11:58 a.m.
Oops--my bad--the 2003 robbery was at Packard and Stadium, not Packard and Ann Arbor. Time frame was robbery at 10:46, first suspect arrested at 11:12, second person arrested 16:30, third person arrested 16:40. They spent the time in the area between Packard to the west and Buhr/County Farm parks to the east.
5c0++ H4d13y
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 11:57 a.m.
@Milton Shift I'm not at all panicked. In fact after reading this hours ago I walked downtown for lunch. It was filled with other people that were also not panicked. In fact I stood in the middle of main street and gave bad directions to someone looking for washtenaw. I hope he found it.
Milton Shift
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 11:51 a.m.
Unless they're complete idiots, they have left the area by now. Enough time has elapsed for them to do so. Of course it's good to let people know about this, and keep an eye out, be wary, etc. - but a hundred thousand people running for their basements and locking their doors like a Nazi air raid is on the way... overreaction.
Monica Milla
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 11:47 a.m.
Dave, this IS the same bank robbed maybe a year ago and suspects fled on foot then, too. The helicopter just left the area--I wonder if the suspects were caught or the police just moved their search to a different location? I live 1/2 mile from the bank and am a little, um, alert. Guns scare me.
Bob Bethune
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 11:44 a.m.
The two people who committed the robbery in 2003 did not flee the area. While being chased by police, and shooting at the police, they dumped their car up on Independence and spent the rest of the time until they were apprehended on foot in the area. I quite vividly remember police officers clearing my garage in full riot gear with M16's. Quite a sight.
mittengirl
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 11:41 a.m.
We did not get a call either. Troubling as I get very timely calls when my kids miss a class to go see college reps..... Also, CHARGE the banks for all of the money spent finding the perps. Their security system is obviously lacking. It's one way for them to let loose with our cash...
Bob Bethune
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 11:38 a.m.
I have some stuff on my computer about a robbery of this branch that was committed in 2003, perhaps in June. The Fox 2/Local 4/ABC 7 chopper is hovering around the area right now.
Milton Shift
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 11:33 a.m.
smokeblwr, you are blowing smoke: "Of course armed robbery needs to be dealt with harshly, but the hypocrisy is unsettling." You clearly only read half of my rather brief comment.
emu2009
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 11:33 a.m.
Central Academy is on lock down as well.
Milton Shift
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 11:31 a.m.
I am in awe how quickly this event has sent the whole city into a panic. Calm down and have a drink, plunk your handgun on the table if you really need it to feel safe, and reassure yourself that these guys are aiming to get away from you, not to get you. They are on the run. And their escape is aided by everyone running for cover in all directions.
smokeblwr
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 11:29 a.m.
Milton, are you serious? Two thugs shoot up a bank and you think people should not be concerned? Tell that to the brave kids at the daycare down the street huddled in fear!!
Milton Shift
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 11:25 a.m.
Injured: 0 Dying: 0 Dead: 0 Hundreds of thousands of dollars spent, from police to the media. Now look at the sick and dying from treatable diseases, who happen to be destitute. How much do we spend on them? Of course armed robbery needs to be dealt with harshly, but the hypocrisy is unsettling.
Craig Lounsbury
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 11:19 a.m.
"If these fellerz had a plan they are long gone by now. I've seen enough movies to know they had a car parked nearby out of sight of the bank that they ran to and left. Yep...." I-94 isn't too far away. East or west?
Beth
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 11:17 a.m.
Thanks, @Megarz, that's reassuring. A neighbor said she got an e-mail from Liz Margolis/ AAPS about the situation, but I did not receive one. @Edward, is that the "School Messenger" system? I've received e-mails from the district before, but I'm very concerned that I didn't receive this one - thank goodness for the breaking news update Ann Arbor.com sent out!!
smokeblwr
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 11:13 a.m.
If these fellerz had a plan they are long gone by now. I've seen enough movies to know they had a car parked nearby out of sight of the bank that they ran to and left. Yep....
Craig Lounsbury
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 11:07 a.m.
I am signed up for the code red robo calls. My call came around 11:15 or a bit after. That is nearly an hour after the robbery. I'm not complaining about that hour, but I am curious how the process works that led to that call.
Megarz
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 11:07 a.m.
Just wanted to add, no one is allowed in or out of the school during lockdown and they usually have administrators or security at all of the entrances and people monitoring the halls.
Megarz
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 11:04 a.m.
Beth - No, the kids will not go out for recess. It means they-- the students and the teachers, cannot leave the classroom they were in when the lockdown occured for any reason. They will probably be let out as usual when school gets out, unless the police keep them in lockdown longer because the robbers are expected to be in that immediate area.
Ricebrnr
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 11:04 a.m.
@mommaof2, In all seriousness, you would do well to consider that "nice" neighborhoods generally are where the nice things criminal want are. Be safe.
Beth
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 10:53 a.m.
What does it mean if schools are in "lockdown"? Do kids not go out for recess? Will they still be dismissed as usual? My children attend one of the affected elementaries.
MsWebster
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 10:51 a.m.
Add St. Francis to the lockdown list.
ypsituckian
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 10:51 a.m.
I was off topic a second ago. Boy, I hope the police catch these guys. It's disturbing that this is happening.
joshua
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 10:47 a.m.
Stone School is on lockdown. No off campus lunch for them
Tony Livingston
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 10:43 a.m.
Does anyone know which AAPS schools are in lockdown?
bigfella
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 10:41 a.m.
i just read the article from a year ago, and man do the profiles seem very similar.
ThaKillaBee
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 10:41 a.m.
Earlier today a man said he was robbed in that same area... Easy St. and Packard, which is just down the road. Wonder if it's the same criminals? http://www.annarbor.com/news/crime/ann-arbor-police-investigate-attempted-robbery-on-citys-south-side/
mcwee
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 10:40 a.m.
My son attends the day care at the JCC around the corner from there, and they are also in lock down.
MissArborM
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 10:37 a.m.
I work at U of M and we were just alerted via the emergency response system. These guys have guts in broad daylight and wearing orange shoes? Yea thats not conspicuous at all.
Atticus F.
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 10:35 a.m.
Did they ever catch the original roobers that hit the place last year?
SemperFi
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 10:29 a.m.
Saddle the horses. It's time to catch these varmits.
mommaof2
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 10:29 a.m.
I received this code red message at my home. Scary to think we are suppose to live in a safe neighborhood and now I have to be worried about my childrens safety in my own home.
Don
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 10:23 a.m.
Wondering if there might be any connection between an early morning (late night) incident near the same location? http://www.annarbor.com/news/crime/ann-arbor-police-investigate-attempted-robbery-on-citys-south-side/
miles2go97
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 10:22 a.m.
daverieb: Two weeks shy of a year to the day: http://www.annarbor.com/news/masked-gunman-rob-ann-arbor-bank-this-morning/ In fact, I thought I was reading the post about today's...
Ricebrnr
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 10:20 a.m.
@Dave, you are correct both this branch and the ones at Briarwood seem to be very popular targets.
daverieb
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 10:10 a.m.
My fuzzy memory tells me that this same bank had an armed robbery about a year ago.