Reaction near Thursday's attack: Some U-M students feeling less safe in Ann Arbor
Breaking news this morning: U-M student grabbed by man on Thompson Street; police say it doesn't appear to be connected to other Ann Arbor attacks
After a series of attacks on young women and assaults on college-aged men in the past month, some University of Michigan students say this summer has caused them to feel less safe in Ann Arbor.
Kiley Goorhouse, a 21-year-old U-M student, said she has been looking at buying mace to carry when she’s walking around town, especially when returning home late at night.
When asked if she feels like this summer has been different than her previous time in Ann Arbor, she said, “I guess it feels that way, just because there have been so many assaults.”
“I’m being a lot more cautious and making sure I’m never by myself,” Goorhouse said.
The latest attack came early Thursday morning when a 21-year-old female U-M student was grabbed on the arm by a stranger on Thompson Street near West Quadrangle.
Both Ann Arbor and University of Michigan police said the attack was unrelated to the previous six attacks on women, which started on July 15. Another attack, an attempted robbery near U-M's Institute for Social Research, resulted in an arrest.
U-M police were still investigating the scene on Thompson Street near West Quad at about 9 a.m. Thursday.
The latest attack on a young woman occurred on Thompson Street near West Quad. Police say the attack is not related to the previous 6 attacks this summer
Kyle Feldscher | AnnArbor.com
Diane Brown, spokesperson for the U-M Department of Public Safety, said the department is doing its best to provide students and the university community with information to improve their safety.
Brown said the department has issued emails to students, including a question-and-answer session with interim Chief Joe Piersante, about the assaults and has increased uniformed police patrols around U-M’s Central Campus and the surrounding neighborhoods.
She pointed to the spotlight section on the U-M website and a number of communications on the department’s website as places where students can get more information on how to keep safe on campus.
Goorhouse was walking with co-worker and friend Alec Stirton, a 20-year-old U-M student, down South State Street Thursday morning.
Both Stirton and Goorhouse saw the crime alert sent out by the university Thursday notifying students of the incident.
Stirton said he’s walked Goorhouse home on a number of occasions, but he’s also worried about his own safety, especially in the wake of a 22-year-old man being jumped by 8 men on East University Avenue at about 2:30 a.m. Thursday.
“I’m leaving (places) earlier and keeping my guard up while walking home, instead of just walking home aimlessly,” Stirton said, adding that he does his best to not text and walk late at night.
Mark Gruca, a 22-year-old Ann Arbor resident who recently graduated from U-M, said he’s taking a similar strategy to get home quickly at night.
Gruca said he hasn’t done too much to prepare himself against potential attacks, but he’s keeping his guard up after the sun goes down.
“During the day, I feel fine. At night, I’m a little bit more aware,” he said. “It’s more of a straight shot home, taking the lighted streets, don’t walk down dark alleys.”
Gruca said he is also concerned about his girlfriend. While out shopping earlier this summer, Gruca suggested she buy some pepper spray for herself and he said they both try to make sure she is always with a friend when she’s going out at night.
Other students who were walking near U-M’s campus on Thursday said they still feel safe in Ann Arbor, despite the recent attacks.
Johanna Dennehy, a 29-year-old graduate student, said she would probably feel worried if she was out in the early morning hours, but it’s not a situation she usually finds herself in.
She said she’s been out of town in the past few weeks but read about the recent sexual assaults in Ann Arbor in a New York Times article. However, she doesn’t think there’s any harm being done to Ann Arbor’s image.
“This sort of thing can happen anywhere,” she said.
Stacy Tomczyk, an Ypsilanti resident and U-M student who moved to the area from Big Rapids, said she still feels safe in Ann Arbor even if it’s a different atmosphere than the small-town community she grew up in.
Tomczyk said the only precaution she takes is to not go running at night, but she was looking into getting pepper spray in the near future.
For Tomczyk, the recent attacks just seem to be a part of city life.
“It’s still a city, it’s not just a campus,” she said. “There’s a lot of stuff happening outside of the bubble.”
Kyle Feldscher covers police and courts for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at kylefeldscher@annarbor.com or you can follow him on Twitter.
Comments
15crown00
Mon, Aug 22, 2011 : 2:19 a.m.
More Cops,More Cops,More Cops Mr. Mayor and City Council
omniskeptic
Fri, Aug 19, 2011 : 11:34 p.m.
"... some University of Michigan students say this summer has caused them to feel less safe in Ann Arbor." So some of them are brighter than they look.
aduggs
Fri, Aug 19, 2011 : 6 p.m.
The Ann Arbor elected officials and the AAPD should both be ashamed of themselves. As a UM alumnus, I have had multiple encounters with 'rogue' police offices who purposefully pick on college students. I was fined $250 for a noise violation because I said the truth to an officer; "YOU SUCK". They do not make money to pay for the new City Hall by catching rapists, they make money by picking on innocent people. If you are a women in AA get a CPL license or at least pepper spray because don't count on the police for anything other than a fine. SHAME ON THEM.
Elaine F. Owsley
Fri, Aug 19, 2011 : 12:09 p.m.
Women who walk around alone in the dark have always had a degree of risk, no matter where they are. The University offers - or did - escort service for students, especially from North Campus to dorms, but not all women choose to use it. An Ann Arbor cop who lived next door to us during one of the previous spells of attacks, complained bitterly about the number of young women they saw running, biking, walking around Ann Arbor and especially the campus area at 2, 3, 4 in the morning and wondered how they could keep them safe if the women were so careless about their own welfare. Smarten up girls, you're not in Kansas any more.
OLDTIMER3
Fri, Aug 19, 2011 : 9:42 a.m.
I heard the rumor that WASP SPRAY works just fine for selfdefense! Don't know if legal or not but then the guy you use it against isn't legal anyway. That is the trouble the perp has more legal rights than the people being attacked!
Ricebrnr
Fri, Aug 19, 2011 : 3:05 p.m.
Stop spreading false and dangerous rumors!!! Wasp spray as a self defensetool is questionable at best and ineffective at worst. Get a quality pepper spray, available at most hardware, Meijers, Walmart and Kim's Martial Arts Supply right downtown by campus. Not only are they PROVEN effective they aremoreeasily carried and concealed in your handat the ready. Sigh...
snapshot
Fri, Aug 19, 2011 : 2:17 a.m.
We really need a city income tax to pay for more cops on the beat.
Lee Higgins
Fri, Aug 19, 2011 : 2:11 a.m.
Police released a sketch tonight of the man believed to be responsible for today's attack: <a href="http://www.annarbor.com/news/crime/university-of-michigan-police/">http://www.annarbor.com/news/crime/university-of-michigan-police/</a>
L
Fri, Aug 19, 2011 : 2:08 a.m.
In regards to arming yourself while on campus, may I suggest considering pepper spray mace, or a stun gun (Tazer). Also a whistle can work as an effective deterrent. A side arm may potentially be more lethal, therefore possibly offering a heightened sense of protection. However, there is a high probability of an attacker gaining possession of the victim's weapon of choice. Better that weapon be non-lethal if turner around against the victim. I posses a CCW and am a strong supporter of personal defense. Types of weapons training classes I have participated in very often cover topics to this regard (attacker gaining the advantage with your weapon). As previously stated in prior comments, MI State Concealed Carry Laws prohibit carrying firearms on any campus. This is to include transporting firearm(s) in a vehicle while traveling on campus, unless while doing so with approved licencing through the State of MI. (i.e. Law Enforcement). A final note, Self Defense Classes are empowering and educating. To those whom may have an interest, most training facility operators and or Self Defense instructors are willing to give basic feedback to your questions. This may be helpful if there is an uncertainty as to whether a particular class is right for you.
Wehrwolf
Fri, Aug 19, 2011 : 8:45 p.m.
State law prohibits firearms within campus buildings (dorms, classrooms, etc). However, preemption does not apply to public universities in Michigan as they are not considered "local units of government", so they can make up any ordinance they like against legal carry in conflict with state law. Semantics, I know, but unless someone ponies up the cash to take this to court, it probably won't change. Even if public universities were not exempt from state preemption, they could still try and force students, faculty, or staff to abide by a code of conduct by threatening them with expulsion or termination.
Ricebrnr
Fri, Aug 19, 2011 : 3:25 p.m.
Ah the old they will just take it and use it against you canard... Gunnies have a saying... If I am killed with my own gun, it will be because they beat me to death with it after I emptied it on them...
Mick52
Fri, Aug 19, 2011 : 6:59 a.m.
Do you have a section number on the law banning CCW prohibition on campus? I looked up the law at the Michigan legislature site (Section 28.425o) and in regard to bans at "schools" it refers to you to Section 750.237a, which states schools are K-12 schools. In re to universities the ban is: (h) A dormitory or classroom of a community college, college, or university. If it has been updated it is not on the MI legislature site. This is why U of M passed its own ordinance banning firearms on campus, another example of a local govt passing a local ordinance contrary to state law and failing to appropriately notify law abiding people of the change.
Tru2Blu76
Fri, Aug 19, 2011 : 3:51 a.m.
What's a "high probability of the attacker gaining possession of the victim's weapon??? -pray, do tell. I've carried pistols since 1967 (Detroit riot) and never had any attacker come close to "gaining possession of my weapon." The only case where that might theoretically be possible is with untrained (partially self-made) victims. THAT - you fail to make clear, is why we take those additional classes: to get strategic abilities which prevent such "probabilities." I agree though with the problems presented to legal age students and faculty and even "passing through" citizens: the law as it exists now is a foolish "lets be extra safe" bit of nonsense and it violates the HUMAN right to defend one's health and life, not to mention adding the risk of arrest and court costs for those who "trespass" in this way. "No Weapons Zones" must be eliminated if only because people who will use a gun off a campus will also use that gun ON campus. Licensees in Michigan have nearly zero crime rate - so they'll be the only ones "honoring" this piece of dog poo.
Tru2Blu76
Fri, Aug 19, 2011 : 1:57 a.m.
First, I researched use of Mace® and pepper spray (oleoresin capsicum) in Michigan: "Prohibitions & Exceptions Michigan Penal Code Sections 750.224(d)(1) and (2) prohibit the use of a self-defense spray, gel or foam device meeting specific chemical specifications (as described in the statute) aimed at another person. Subsection (5)(b) permits the "reasonable use of a self-defense spray or foam device containing not more than 2% oleoresin capsicum" to protect oneself, another person, or property if reasonable force would be justified under the circumstances." In addition: use of pepper spray involves safety and responsibility. Learn to use the dispenser you choose - NEVER use it indoors or in a confined space unless you're under attack. Understand: that attackers can run at you from 20 feet and still knock you down b4 you can deploy ANY weapon. (Bad news for joggers: you MAY get shot or blinded if you run "at" people - if they decide you look dangerous , which is likely.) The company which makes Mace® also makes pepper spray dispensers in a variety of shapes and sizes. I tend to like the larger capacity dispensers: they have more "shots" and often shoot the spray or foam greater distances. That's in addition to my Glock 9mm, I should say. topglock.com is another source of "good" pepper spray dispenser brands. Let's not blame the mayor, city council or any police agency, friends: we have Gov. $nyder who doesn't give a "darn" about us or our city or any other "useful" things for the rest of us. He, not the mayor, is the one who's simple-mindedly cutting away fat, flesh and bone from Michigan. A few assault victims don't mean a thing in the face of the Republican Plan. You ain't seen nuthin' yet.
rrt911
Fri, Aug 19, 2011 : 1:42 a.m.
I moved out of state 3 years ago and was missing it like crazy. For the past year and a half I can honestly say something I could not have imagined--I'm glad I'm not there anymore. This is not the city I lived in for 31 years anymore. Very sad.
B2Pilot
Fri, Aug 19, 2011 : 1:39 a.m.
I guess the Detroit community's bussing their vagrants, homeless, and problem people to Ann Arbor as reported in the Detroit Free Press is finally starting to show.
a2citizen
Fri, Aug 19, 2011 : 2:43 a.m.
Vagrants evicted from Detroit are causing A2's problems? Ann Arbor. 27 miles surrounded by reality. The naivete of A2 residents causes more problems in Ann Arbor than Detroit's vagrants.
nixon41
Thu, Aug 18, 2011 : 11:47 p.m.
Why are women/girls out that late without an escort ? This is a no brainer.
David Paris
Fri, Aug 19, 2011 : 12:23 p.m.
Wrong question, friend. It's not about the women, it's about the opportunistic thugs... and maybe a lack of crime-prevention-visibility. It's been a bad summer, I hope things cool off, soon!
southyoop
Fri, Aug 19, 2011 : 3:17 a.m.
My daughter who has been at UM for 3 yrs has been instructed, very simply, that anyone who violates her space gets a damn knee in the nads. Or a palm of the hand straight up against the nose. Don't give a rat's behind about the consequences....better tried by 12 than carried by 6..... a little yooper justice.
a2citizen
Fri, Aug 19, 2011 : 2:36 a.m.
Because this is America. The land of the free.
a2taxpro
Thu, Aug 18, 2011 : 10:03 p.m.
Thurs eve about 7 I left MI Theater to head down Maynard to my car. I was hassled on the corner of Maynard/Liberty by a Black male who was very agressive asking for money. He seemed to have a "partner" in a wheel chair also creating problems begging for money. This corner has been a problem for a long time. I reported it to Borders many times but they didn't seem to care. As I got to my car and locked my door, I noticed the one man being very agressive towards people..intimidating them loudly and following people. ..This may the same guy...these guys were grabbing at people, as well. I don't feel safe in this area and pay money to park near the theater vs the parking structure. The major and council need to do more to assure safety, and the PD needs to arrest these people. It seems that each corner has someone ready to pounce on a passerby.
nickcarraweigh
Thu, Aug 18, 2011 : 7:56 p.m.
If you want guarantees you won't be a crime victim, move to the Vatican or Disneyworld. This is a city, not a church or an amusement park (despite all the clowns commenting at annarbor.com).
racerx
Thu, Aug 18, 2011 : 7:50 p.m.
Does the UM post the crime stats for the public to view? At some universities this information is like pulling teeth. Some don't want to expose the rate of crime on campus. Is this maybe, why the news always list it, (originally) "near the UM campus?" If it's on East University, it's on campus!
Kai Petainen
Fri, Aug 19, 2011 : 6:33 a.m.
i know of 1 criminal case (unless its legal to spill stuff in the huron river) where they didn't list stuff on their website. when the unsolved huron river acid?/petroleum? spill happened and multiple agencies responded, since the spill went through UofM ground, then UofM dps responded. that event was not listed in the dps website. so i know of at least 1 criminal event (unless dumping in the river is not criminal), that the UofM dps did not list on their website. i complained to the DPS about the lack of reporting and public notification of the event, and their inability to solve it (it flowed for hours in daylight, equipment problems, lack of a sewer diagram, etc). But, since then... from what i can tell, they have made improvements and the DPS is to be thanked for those improvements. although they failed at solving that spill and possible charges could have resulted in hefty fines and the UofM/AAFD could have received a lot of $$ from those fines, dps has made strides at improving their service in the past year and for that i am thankful. dps got a new chief, they have improved with communicating to the public, listing spills on the dps site, and collaborating better with the city police. that unsolved spill is still a black-eye to the environment-'E' in OSEH and the public-'P' in DPS, but they have taken steps to improve. and from what i've seen with the assaults and how they are handling them, i see collaboration with the AAPD, communication with the public and plenty of disclosure. they're doing a good job and hopefully they catch the creeps. as for the spill, i learned a few things, and i'm still waiting for clarification from heather rice about a phosphoric acid question that i had. does uofm use phosphoric acid in any manner at parking lots? did they use it on the day of the spill? will it be banned from the fuller parking lot? i want assurance that the fuller parking lot won't pollute the huron river.
MikeyP
Fri, Aug 19, 2011 : 1:41 a.m.
All universities are required to post crime stats by the Clery Act, UofM certainly complies. They are posted each year in the campus safety handbook, which is available online. Also, not all of East University is "on campus" as technically only UofM owned property and sidewalks adjacent to said property is "on campus" and thus within the jurisdiction of the University police. If you're standing in front of an apartment complex on East University then you are off campus. If you are standing in front of East Quad (for example) you are on campus.
djm12652
Thu, Aug 18, 2011 : 7:16 p.m.
I would like to think that in order to be a U-M student one would most likely be smart. That being said, I fervently hope that the students that were quoted as saying they would "look" for mace to buy don't...not a good idea. It is illegal to carry Mace...now if these same students were to purchase pepper spray, that's different...but not always effective...least bit of breeze with a blow-back and the sprayer gets some of what should have been hitting their target... Carrying a weapon of lethal measures is a line of defense, but only for those of us trained, certified, and not concerned with "hurting" their attacker. Most of the residents of Ann Arbor, are more worried about offending a potential attacker than keeping themselves out of harm's way....and believe me the perps that come into town and onto campus know this...they perceive any show of kindness or politeness as a weakness. These bad people can read fear written all over the naive faces...so good luck kids and welcome to Ann Arbor!
southyoop
Fri, Aug 19, 2011 : 2:33 a.m.
My daughter who has been at UM for 3 yrs has been instructed, very simply, that anyone who violates her space gets a damn knee in the nads. Or a palm of the hand straight up against the nose. Don't give a rat's behind about the consequences....better tried by 12 than carried by 6..... a little yooper justice.
a2citizen
Thu, Aug 18, 2011 : 10:27 p.m.
There is a world of difference between being smart and having common sense.
Kyle Feldscher
Thu, Aug 18, 2011 : 8:06 p.m.
djm- I believe these students were referring to pepper spray by using mace as a sort of "catch all" word. I've changed the story to reflect that.
Macabre Sunset
Thu, Aug 18, 2011 : 6:40 p.m.
This is a wide-open, well-lit area with significant foot and vehicle traffic. The incident happened at 9:00 in the morning. There is no place that should be safer. If you're telling women they should be smarter and have a companion for those situations, you're essentially telling her she needs a security guard with her 24/7. We have a group of people who have learned that the police are more interested in crosswalks and idling cars and desk jobs than helping create a safe community. We have a judicial system that refuses to lock up repeat offenders until they finally graduate to gun-related crimes. This problem starts with City Hall, it extends to our activist judges, and it won't stop until there are serious changes in the system itself.
Macabre Sunset
Thu, Aug 18, 2011 : 8:35 p.m.
OIC. Yes, I didn't read the other article, which specifies the time. Assumed that investigating at 9:00 meant it happened at close to 9:00. That block is wide open and, yes, considerable traffic. I used to live within a block of the quad. There are places around that area I would avoid alone late - that is not one of them.
djm12652
Thu, Aug 18, 2011 : 7:32 p.m.
occured at 1:50 am and was being investigated at 9 am...I understood that...
Mr Blue
Thu, Aug 18, 2011 : 7:19 p.m.
Sometime people make things up to make a political point. Other make a political point without even reading the news first. Some people are adept at both.
Peregrine
Thu, Aug 18, 2011 : 6:56 p.m.
It happened at about 1:50 a.m. on Thompson St. near West Quad. I don't consider it to have a lot of traffic, particularly at that hour. You do?
Mr Blue
Thu, Aug 18, 2011 : 6:35 p.m.
When the attacks, muggings, rapes, robberies begin to hurt the UM bottom line, causing enrollments to drop, maybe their PD will start cooperating with our PD.
anti-thug
Thu, Aug 18, 2011 : 6:30 p.m.
it was never safe on a most crime rated campus but it's becoming as dangers as it gets.
meezer03
Thu, Aug 18, 2011 : 6:22 p.m.
Forget mace. Upgrade to .45.
golfer
Thu, Aug 18, 2011 : 5:09 p.m.
we need more street police, either uofm or ann arbor. do not worry people the idle fines will be used to hire more police. then they can write more tickets and we can hire street policeman.
Chris 8 - YPSI PRIDE
Thu, Aug 18, 2011 : 4:56 p.m.
More common sense needs to be adhered to when walking around in the wee hours of the night/early morning. This is part of taking action for your personal safety. I am not a part of the "Campus Community" that is open from every entrance in to Ann Arbor. I want to walk around freely where ever I darn well please without the police "profiling" and "harassing" me. I work in the area at night and avoid large crowds. I do not walk anywhere, nor stop anywhere where there is not good lighting. My I-Phone is in my pocket positioned to take out or just leave there and call 911 with the press of one button. I keep my eyes moving at all times for hiding spots that someone could suddenly appear from and avoid being to close to them. I carry very little cash knowing that my losses would be minumized if someone was to rob me. A2 is a nice area, but it still has a downtown element with an open campus nearby. Every secondary road passing through the campus is a public road with public sidewalks. I would have a serious problem with the police stopping me and questioning me "just because I am not part of the campus community". This is not Mayberry and Opie has long since gone on to bigger and better things. Watch your back walking around, but at the same time do not give up your right to walk, drive or bicycle around without being profiled by the PD. I guarantee if this happened to anyone even once or twice your attitude about this would change drastically. The police have an attitude that everyone is a suspect and will treat you as such if this is allowed to start happening. I gave up enough freedom after 9/11 and I am not giving up anymore.
Megan Greene
Thu, Aug 18, 2011 : 4:47 p.m.
What's the day shift night shift mix for AA police? I'd put more on night shift and install some cameras in hot sports. Also, I would I would make sure there is a full-time policeman assigned to gang activity. Eight guys jumping one guy sounds like gang activity to me. Reassign many of the ticket generating cops who do nothing but harass locals trying to make a living.
racerx
Thu, Aug 18, 2011 : 7:47 p.m.
This has been one of my gripes with the AAPD. Prove that there is a need for catching speeders, running red lights or any other traffic violations. What are the stats for a particular corner in relation to amount of traffic to accidents? Is there really a relation to accidents to catching speeders on S. Main street at Pioneer High school at the drive adjacent to the UM golf course at 11pm. at night? This is one of many "traps" that the AAPD sets up. And again, what time have these crimes been occurring between? This is not to say that AAPD was catching speeders. But this is the mental. Property crimes has no value as oppose to monetary crimes like speeding.
djm12652
Thu, Aug 18, 2011 : 7:28 p.m.
ticketing officers don't target anyone but those are breaking the law...be it speeding or illegal turns or whatever...violating these laws determined by standards that are in place to mandate safety for others on the road is needed..but we do need more street cops, and young good looking ones!....as far as "gangs" Ann Arbor doesn't even have a serious crime problem let alone gangs...that's LA or NY or Miami...but not A2! Everyone here is polite and kind and thoughtful...
aanonliberal
Thu, Aug 18, 2011 : 4:30 p.m.
This stuff goes on all the time! Kids come to school having never left the comfy and safety of mommy and daddy's house. That is what these guys do. Walk into open houses and steal laptops, IPods, etc. As well as assault the kids for "change" or "your wallet". U of M PD has 1-2 officers on duty at any one time and AAPD has only 6-8 at any one time. And don't even think about Washtenaw County where they have 5-8 for the entire county. And state Police of 1-2 for the county highways as well. If people in the city are willing to have the same level of service they have in the county then remain silent and suffer in silence. Do not blog about it, get out and write or meet with YOUR Mayor and YOUR council people and YOUR Police Chief and TELL them this is not acceptable and quit wasting money and get Cops back on the street. (not that it would have stopped this one incident) But no cops on bicycles anymore, none on foot and only cars responding to other calls. No police presence, no deterrent. You don't see any cats in a yard that has a couple big dogs patrolling.
Mike
Thu, Aug 18, 2011 : 8:02 p.m.
An those on patrol are generating revenue to keep their jobs and their bosses off their butts.
SW40
Thu, Aug 18, 2011 : 5:07 p.m.
I just asked a friend the other day who works for AAPD and they told me half of the department is patrol and the other half is administrative/supervision/investigations. That is extremely different from the industry standard in law enforcement. Usually the patrol division makes us between 65 to 75 percent of a department, too many chiefs not enough indians.
SW40
Thu, Aug 18, 2011 : 5:02 p.m.
UofM has 60 + police officers, Ann Arborr has 120 police officers, if there only 1 or 2 on patrol at UofM and 6-8 in Ann Arbor then that is a organizational structuring problem. UofM and AAPD both have a reputation of being top heavy and having far too many officers assigned to desk/administrative assignments. Ypsilanti and EMU both have much smaller police departments I think YPD has just over 30 and EMU has maybe 25, and yet they seem to have no problem with staffing levels. The reason is those departments focus on patrol and not nonsense. I have asked before and I'll ask again will someone at AA.com please run a story explaining why a department of 120 officers Ann Arbor, only has 6-8 per shift. That is a structure problem within the department. What the heck are the other officers at Ann Arbor doing, even with detectives and supervisors I would expect atleast 15 officers patrolling Ann Arbor at any given time if the department was reorganized. Too many desk jockies not enough officers on the street.
grimmk
Thu, Aug 18, 2011 : 4:21 p.m.
One would hope that these predators will run across the wrong person to pray on. Why does the message have to be: You assault us we beat you to a pulp? But I think that is the only way people who are assaulting people to stop. Highly unnecessary, but it might be the only effective way. It saddens me and sickens me that the town I love and grew up has been overcome by such thoughtless violence. I hope it ends soon. We don't need a riot to start to prove a point.
Mike
Thu, Aug 18, 2011 : 8 p.m.
Stephen - you can't use the word concealed carry in this area, plus guns are bad and dangerous. Use your words and then call a police officer if that doesn't work. Don't be mean or yell at the perpetrator because that might damage his self esteem. grimmk - we don't beat people to a pulp any more, they beat us to a pulp. Physical violence never solved anything, right? Words only work for politicians and then they send in their armies for the physical violence part. Weren't your kids taught to use their words in school? Unfortunately the thugs who perpetrate this kind of stuff dropped out of school and missed that part.
Michigan Man
Thu, Aug 18, 2011 : 4:31 p.m.
Perhaps concealed carry would be a solution - The surprise of an armed defender might make these cowards more thoughtful before these attacks are launched on the peace loving residents of Ann Arbor.
Scott
Thu, Aug 18, 2011 : 4:20 p.m.
Downtown Detroit heading our way :-(
racerx
Thu, Aug 18, 2011 : 7:43 p.m.
Lets hope. Downtown Detroit is safe, there is a large and visible police presence during most downtown events. It's the other parts of the city, away from downtown, that is being plagued by crime.
yourdad
Thu, Aug 18, 2011 : 4:02 p.m.
Maybe he was just gonna ask for loose change... since the studies have proven how harmless vagrants are.
Fat Bill
Thu, Aug 18, 2011 : 4:02 p.m.
I think a little more pressure needs to be brought to bear on those out and around campus who really aren't part of the campus community. A tow truck driver recently came across such an individual, and his incident probably prevented somebody else from being veictimized, as the individual had no real business being in that area. Just a little more attention from law enforcement on the non-student, rougher crowd that seems to gravitate to the central campus area anyway... Don't get me wrong, I'm a certified leftward leaner, but common sense and life experience seems to indicate that certain groups just loitering in the area spells trouble just waiting to happen.
Ricebrnr
Fri, Aug 19, 2011 : 3:01 p.m.
I am constantly amazed that self proclaimed liberals are always the first to suggest restriting freedoms in a knee jerk reaction to some event. Baby..bathwater..heave ho..oh well
MikeyP
Fri, Aug 19, 2011 : 2:54 a.m.
Maybe they should read them trespass... oh, wait... some of your other lefty friends pitched a fit and said that they shouldn't read people trespass "for no reason" and that "nobody dangerous was read trespass." Imagine that, liberals demanding the cops back off, then when stuff starts happening they demand the cops "do something about it!" Hey, they WERE doing something about it until lefties TOLD THEM NOT TO! Can't have it both ways lefties, you can't tie the cops hands behind their backs then complain when they don't have an arm left to deal with the ne'er-do-wells. I said at the time there would be consequences... now we see them bearing fruit. People with "no real business in the area" can't be read trespass simply for being in the area they have "no real business" in, that's the lefty-imposed rule. You reap what you sow.
Original Ann Arborite
Thu, Aug 18, 2011 : 6:24 p.m.
Ummm yeah, sounds like a real 'bright' idea there...good grief...
a2citizen
Thu, Aug 18, 2011 : 4:53 p.m.
How do you determine who really is part of the campus community? Profile them? Ask them for their papers? There is not a constitutional way, in the "leftward leaning" world.
belboz
Thu, Aug 18, 2011 : 3:45 p.m.
Come on. Don't people feel safer with the new City Hall or Library lot? We spent over $100 million on those 2 projects. We better feel something! Me, I feel sick.