Intruders shoot man in head in Pittsfield Township apartment
![080211_NEWS_Evergreen SHooting_MRM_01[1].jpg](http://www.annarbor.com/assets_c/2011/08/080211_NEWS_Evergreen SHooting_MRM_01[1]-thumb-590x391-84724.jpg)
A Michigan State Police officer carries equipment to the crime scene today after a man was shot in the head at Evergreen apartments off Packard Road in Pittsfield Township.
Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com
The 31-year-old victim sustained a single gunshot wound to the left temple during the 11:22 p.m. shooting at Evergeen Apartments that police say appears to be drug-related.
The men involved remain at large, said Gordy Schick, the township's deputy director of police services. Investigators were able to interview the victim who was taken by ambulance to a local hospital after the shooting.
Township police and state police were at the scene this morning where a portion of the building at 3100 Woodland Hills Drive off Packard Road remained taped off.
Brian Rivette, 24, who lives in the building where the shooting occurred, said he left his apartment about 9:30 p.m. Monday after the power went out and returned a couple hours later to find the entire building taped off. He wasn't allowed inside until about 1:30 a.m. today and had to wear shoe covers, he said.
Rivette said a resident who lives on the second floor told him a man knocked on his door who was disoriented, bleeding from the head and asking for help. Investigators kept asking residents about an apartment on the first floor, he said.
Rivette said his lease expires in a week-and-a-half and "I'm just happy to be moving out."
Leeroy Jennings, 40, who recently moved to Evergreen Apartments, said there have been loud parties and break-ins there and people regularly ask him for money. "Most of the time I stay inside anyway," he said.
Bryan Pietch, 25, who has lived at the complex for a month, said he feels safe there and that hasn't changed. "I might be a little more cautious about paying attention to who is walking around," he said. "But crime happens everywhere. It's not something you can really get away from."
Chris Marshall, 25, who has lived at the complex for two months, was on his way to work when he stopped by to see why police cars were outside the building. He plans to move out when his one-year lease is up.
"It doesn't sit easy with me," he said.
Management officials at Evergreen Apartments declined comment this morning.
Anyone with information can call police at (734) 822-4911 or the police department's tip line at (734) 822-4958.
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
Evemis
Wed, Aug 3, 2011 : 1 a.m.
My husband and I have lived at Evergreen for a bit more than a year and, while it isn't perfect, I have to say (my building at least) has been totally fine. Occasional loud neighbors who have stopped being loud as soon as asked and a very quiet hallway with pleasant neighbors (students, other young professional couples and families). Maybe it helps that our building is right by the gatehouse and Packard Road, but I really can't complain. That said, I'm not sure how things are in the other buildings here. I'm far from thrilled that this happened, but others who commented that crime happens everywhere are right. I think management and the police need to be on top of this, but not all of the complex is awful. Sure, it isn't downtown Ann Arbor, but lets also remember, there's a sexual predator attacking young women in downtown A2 right now too...
ECarroll
Thu, Aug 4, 2011 : 3:06 a.m.
I live in the building that this man lives in, and it's been nothing but quiet and calm this year and last. Students, a few retired couples, some younger couples, and more students. There are 36 households in our building. Can anyone on here declare with absolute certainty that your nearest 36 neighbors have no violent tendencies or incidences? Most people living in this complex are quiet, law-abiding residents with good jobs. The difference is, we're not the ones sitting outside with nothing to do all day.
Momma G
Tue, Aug 2, 2011 : 10:16 p.m.
Pittsfield Township police need to do what Ypsi township did in closing down the mobile home park in Ypsi. That apartment complex has been nothing but a "drug-infested" complex since the late 1970's. Management needs to do some housecleaning.
Halter
Tue, Aug 2, 2011 : 9:04 p.m.
This story is missing an awful lot -- and it sensationalizes what happens to some degree... "shooting that Police say appears to be drug related" = WAS drug related...what the relationship of the two parties involved needs to be better clarified, or at least a comment about whether they knew each other or not. In either case -- a headline like "Drug related incident results in shooting" would have been more appropriate.... And more than likely, given the particular apartment complex involved (a complex that my business warns our students to NOT rent apartments in) would more likely be "Crackhead shoots fellow crackhead in head"...that would spare any of us the time wasted reading this article to begin with.
Tiffani
Tue, Aug 2, 2011 : 8:54 p.m.
I would also like to mention crime does happen evrywhere. And bad things like this as well. Since Ann Arbor is so family friendly , is also why this made the news so quick because it does not happen here too often. Which is a relief to me. I will always be proud of Ann Arbor schools diversity and parks and rec as well as the Police officers who do a pretty good job to help keep our community to continue on with a good reputation.
Sallyxyz
Tue, Aug 2, 2011 : 8:53 p.m.
So, who is paying for this medical care? Does this guy have health insurance? Whenever I read about shootings that are drug-related, which is frequent, the next question that comes to mind is who is paying for all the expensive intensive care at the hospital? I'm not suggesting that someone should who is injured should not get care, but the present system of expensive private insurance or employer insurance for the full-time employed population and 14 million uninsured isn't working if the rest of us continually pick up the tab for drug related injuries and crimes.
Dennis
Tue, Aug 2, 2011 : 8:38 p.m.
I'd love to say this is a surprise, but it is not. I looked at Evergreen apts the last time I moved and to say I was concerned about safety there would be a major understatement. The whole complex is poorly lit, when I have been there at night there is always people hanging out in cars in the parking lot, I've also seen fights in the parking lots and drug deals going down. Most people my age remember when this was Scenic Lake Apartment (aka Seedy Lake Apts.), it was a bad neighborhood then and changing the name and throwing up some new landscaping doesn't change that.
Tiffani
Tue, Aug 2, 2011 : 8:31 p.m.
I am shocked really. My family has lived there for awhile now. There are somedownfalls to the place that I would like to see be fixed.For one just anyone can get into the buildings the fire alarms going off at any hour of the night that are false kids having no playground to really play on. And anyone can walk into the community,it should be fully fenced in and all should be checked in coming into the community.And with incidents occuring the rent should be reduced really until we get what we pay for. However if you keep to your self you will find bad will not occur. Maybe have police drive through more often i am not sure. Really wih the economy the way it is crime is going to increase i hate to say it but its true. And there is a new property manager there who seems to really be trying to fix things in the community. I would say honesly I have never encountered any negative problems in this community and I have never heard loud parties from neighbors except once and they had to move. So I do see things changing.I am embaressed that this happened there this is ot what I like to see on the news at my home....very embaressing.
Sallyxyz
Tue, Aug 2, 2011 : 8:07 p.m.
Closing down this complex, as some suggested, only shifts the problem elsewhere. The druggies and other thugs who live there will move to another complex and run that into the ground. There are some good people living there too for economic reasons who are not part of the criminal element, but everyone will be displaced with a shutdown. The complex needs to run criminal background checks on ALL applicants for rentals, and in light of this shooting, the management should run criminal checks on all current residents and evict all of the criminals. If residents have a criminal record, kick them out. The area needs affordable housing, but it does not need to be dangerous to be affordable.
Life in Ypsi
Tue, Aug 2, 2011 : 6:14 p.m.
I lived in this dump in the 90s because it was affordable. After numerous shootings, cockroaches, break ins, fights and urine soaked halls I had to break my lease and leave.
2WheelsGood
Tue, Aug 2, 2011 : 5:36 p.m.
From the article: "Most of the time I stay inside anyway" Since the victim was in his apartment, that's not much of a solution, eh?
pvitaly
Tue, Aug 2, 2011 : 5:26 p.m.
I have never been able to drive into this complex without having my license checked and my information written down including which apt I was going to. But, I have been able to ride my bike in with my 100lb monster dog. I guess a "gated" community only works vs cars.
Xraymoo
Tue, Aug 2, 2011 : 5:21 p.m.
I lived in this apartment complex between 2001 and 2006 and I didn't encounter any of the issues that seem to be plaguing the complex as of late. The apartment I occupied which was in another building from the incident that happened yesterday was very quiet and safe and the management staff was very professional. If you are to look at the historical crime maps for this area of Pittsfield you will see that there crime incidents are very minimal. No matter where you live always be aware of your surroundings, never open the door to someone you don't know and if you see people that look like they do not belong, then contact management and/or police to report it.
Brian Rivette
Tue, Aug 2, 2011 : 4:49 p.m.
Being the resident, Brian, that left the comment in this article, I'll just say that this type of crime happens EVERYWHERE. Look at the meth labs busted in Small Town, USA. No matter where you live, you're never completely safe. People just need to be more aware of their surroundings and not be stupid about the basic "stranger danger" we learned in Elementary.
2WheelsGood
Tue, Aug 2, 2011 : 5:11 p.m.
I'm all about singing the praises of situational awareness, but this happened inside his apartment after they broke the door down. There was only one possible response to this attack, and it wasn't "dial 911".
Craig Lounsbury
Tue, Aug 2, 2011 : 5:09 p.m.
"this type of crime happens EVERYWHERE." Crime can happen everywhere/ anywhere but a pistol whipping followed by a bullet in the head does NOT happen EVERYWHERE. And crime in general is not evenly distributed geographically in a given area.
Lovaduck
Tue, Aug 2, 2011 : 4:46 p.m.
It's such a shame. When Woodland Hills opened in 1967 it was a lovely place to live with it's mini lake and fine clubhouse. The people who built it went broke, sold it and it's been downhill ever since.
63Townie
Tue, Aug 2, 2011 : 4:39 p.m.
I lived there for about a year while going to school at Eastern in the late 80's. The place was scary then, and it's scary now.
Ron Granger
Tue, Aug 2, 2011 : 4:12 p.m.
Ann Arbor residents are being forced to fund a "high speed" train that will directly connect to high crime areas of the state, and bring that crime to Ann Arbor. Watch and see.
Sallyxyz
Tue, Aug 2, 2011 : 8:10 p.m.
I agree. The high speed train from Detroit will only serve to bring criminals into communities that have less crime. How many people living in A2 or Dexter or Chelsea need to commute to a job in downtown Detroit? Not many. Most of the traffic from the city of Detroit will be travelling to communities targeted as easy marks and robberies and home invasions and worse will increase.
Mariella
Tue, Aug 2, 2011 : 5:01 p.m.
Before you go criticizing Ypsi and Detroit, you'd better look in your own backyard. Which city has a serial rapist on the loose? Surprisingly enough, there are some Ann Arbor residents who are criminals.
bhall
Tue, Aug 2, 2011 : 4:55 p.m.
Sure they are. Criminals are going to buy a ticket for the east-west commuter rail. Ride the train to Ann Arbor. Break into my house. And then carry my TV onto the train to head home. Makes perfect sense, no?
ladylaw
Tue, Aug 2, 2011 : 3:40 p.m.
I live in this community and this is most definitely unsettling. I came home from a long day of studying at about the time this crime occurred! There was a blackout last night for several hours and I have to say the place was scary to drive into. I don't wonder if there can be better "emergency" lighting? It isn't clear if these characters were acquainted with one another, maybe better lighting could have helped the situation? I don't believe parties etc. mean crime is afoot. I rarely ever hear much going on in the evenings it seemed like a peaceful community and now I guess not! I will have to make the best of it seeing as I am a student and can't afford to break my lease. I just hope this crime is solved quickly and the remainder of my time here is a safe. It's so sad people have to make life more difficult on one another with crime. I am a student with enough stress and pressure to do well in school, I don't need to feel unsafe in the place where I sleep at night.
Atticus F.
Tue, Aug 2, 2011 : 5:37 p.m.
This place used to be Scenic Lake, and before that it was known as Windover(I believe). It's been notorious for crime since the early 70's. As a matter of fact, something like this happens there about one every 10 years that causes them to change their name in an effort to clean up their image.
Nikki
Tue, Aug 2, 2011 : 4:14 p.m.
I agree! I'm also living in this community, I primarily keep to myself, and have a daughter that lives with me. I have 11 months left on my lease, and not really all that happy now that I've renewed. The power was back on allegedly, and clearly "security" was not working at all. I was also out late last night at my second job, and my daughter was with me as well. This doesn't sit well with me at all.
LaMusica
Tue, Aug 2, 2011 : 4:06 p.m.
I agree! I live here as well and I've never had a problem, never thought it was a bad place. It's pretty quiet in my building and management has always been nice. This is a bit nerve-wracking, especially since I live alone!
nickcarraweigh
Tue, Aug 2, 2011 : 1:52 p.m.
Let's shut down this complex and move the occupants, forcibly if necessary, to a newly-formed hobo camp in Ypsilanti. It's clear most annarbor.com commenters believe these hapless residents will feel more at home there, and Tea Party members in particular will call on local churches to drop off sardines and saltines and whatnot at least every Thursday, usually. in a couple of weeks, why, zucchini for everyone! Let them make cake of it.
David Paris
Tue, Aug 2, 2011 : 3:28 p.m.
Could you kindly point out which of the above commenters mentioned moving "hapless residents" from Ann Arbor to Ypsilanti? Or, did you simply comment on the wrong post?
Not from around here
Tue, Aug 2, 2011 : 3:06 p.m.
I absoutly agree, its crazy to ask people to be respectful of others, not take drugs, not shoot people, not have huge out of control parties. Its not their fault, its Bushes!
Craig Lounsbury
Tue, Aug 2, 2011 : 2:11 p.m.
the only things you forgot is the barbed wire fence, maybe some attack cockier spaniels and of course a recycling bin for the sardine cans.
Ricebrnr
Tue, Aug 2, 2011 : 1:51 p.m.
"said there are loud parties and break-ins there and people regularly ask him for money. "Most of the time I stay inside anyway," he said." Now that is a damn shame for anyone to have to live this way.
LaMusica
Tue, Aug 2, 2011 : 3:26 p.m.
It is! I moved in here in April and have never had a problem. This is sad.
pvitaly
Tue, Aug 2, 2011 : 2:13 p.m.
I don't live at that complex, but I visit it often as I have friends who live there. I've never experienced any of that. =/
Craig Lounsbury
Tue, Aug 2, 2011 : 2:08 p.m.
We don't often agree on things Ricebrnr but on this one I'm right there with you.
actionjackson
Tue, Aug 2, 2011 : 1:46 p.m.
@ pbehjatnia, We also have fine museums, great local talent, a solid infrastructure, employment for those with an education, the Ark, Hill Auditorium, the Power Center, and Michigan theatre, just to mention a few of the more positive things that don't relate to the negativity of Detroit.
YpsiLivin
Tue, Aug 2, 2011 : 6:38 p.m.
"... a solid infrastructure..." Does that include the Stadium Bridge?
Mariella
Tue, Aug 2, 2011 : 4:59 p.m.
@grimmk: It's not just the state of MI. Most people with BAs can't find jobs.
grimmk
Tue, Aug 2, 2011 : 3:23 p.m.
We do have employment for people with education? Really? Where? I have a BA and will probably only get a min wage job...if I am LUCKY.
pbehjatnia
Tue, Aug 2, 2011 : 1:03 p.m.
Nice. We are a mini Detroit. First thing you see coming to town off 14 to Main are burned out and roofless houses and a rotting church along with a ghetto liquor store. We can also offer a smorgasbord of rapes, assaults, stabbings and shootings. Let's not leave out the dozen or so registered sex offenders living at the Delonis Center. This is all sooooo good for business. Especially if you happen to be a drug dealer. Maybe we should put a Kwame on the ballot here just to complete the picture.
Chris
Tue, Aug 2, 2011 : 7:08 p.m.
Did you actually look on a map for these apartments? They are located on Packard between Carpenter and Golfside. Or, as the article states, Pittsfield Township.
Woman in Ypsilanti
Tue, Aug 2, 2011 : 3:51 p.m.
Have you been to Detroit? Ann Arbor is as much like Detroit as Birmingham or Grosse Pointe is. Crime happens everywhere and pretty much every community has a liquor store.
Craig Lounsbury
Tue, Aug 2, 2011 : 2:18 p.m.
that "ghetto liquor store" makes some pretty good pizza by the slice. and our stadium is bigger than their stadium so nana-nanana
Atticus F.
Tue, Aug 2, 2011 : 1:33 p.m.
Have you ever taken a look at the crime map in detroit? You'd be shocked.
rs
Tue, Aug 2, 2011 : 1:06 p.m.
That may be so, but City Hall will have $150,000 worth of art hanging in the lobby.
Wolf's Bane
Tue, Aug 2, 2011 : 1:03 p.m.
Drugs. this was clearly about Drugs.
Craig Lounsbury
Tue, Aug 2, 2011 : 2:58 p.m.
Which hopefully would be of some comfort to those who stay away from that "lifestyle" . More comforting than the thought that it was random.
tdw
Tue, Aug 2, 2011 : 12:48 p.m.
I't just be a matter of time until..
Craig Lounsbury
Tue, Aug 2, 2011 : 3:02 p.m.
as surly as the sun rises in the east and sets in the west.
tdw
Tue, Aug 2, 2011 : 2:47 p.m.
Yep..only took one hour and four min to drag Ypsi into this
LaMusica
Tue, Aug 2, 2011 : noon
Holy moly, I wondered why there was a rolling crime lab in the parking lot this morning. Wow...