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Posted on Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 5:46 a.m.

Ann Arbor, U-M police offer update on investigation of sexual assaults

By Kyle Feldscher

The University of Michigan released an update to students and staff on the investigation into a rash of sexual assaults that have taken place on campus and around Ann Arbor this summer.

In a reporlt published in the University Record, Ann Arbor police Deputy Chief John Seto, U-M Department of Public Safety Deputy Chief Joe Piersante and new U-M Chief of Police Greg O’Dell spoke about the efforts to apprehend the suspect, or suspects, involved in the attacks that began in July.

Seto said Ann Arbor police are continuing to investigate the reports and are attempting to follow up on the more than 600 tips the department has received. Seto said he could not confirm if the suspect in the attacks is more than one person or if it’s possible that the suspect has left the community.

He said police will remain vigilant, even though more than a month has passed since the initial attacks.

Thumbnail image for Thumbnail image for 072811_sex_assault_composite_images.jpg

The composite images of the suspects in the recent sexual assaults in Ann Arbor.

“The investigation continues and we remain vigilant regardless of how many weeks have gone by,” he said.

There have been at least 8 reported attacks on women since mid-July around the university campus in Ann Arbor, including 2 rapes. The latest attack came last week when a 21-year-old female U-M student was grabbed on the arm by a man while walking near West Quadrangle.

That latest attack was deemed unrelated to the series of earlier attacks and U-M police arrested a "person of interest" in the investigation later that week.

Crime Stoppers is offering a $1,000 reward to anyone who offers information leading to an arrest.

To read the full update in the University Record, click here.

Kyle Feldscher covers cops and courts for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at kylefeldscher@annarbor.com or you can follow him on Twitter.

Comments

Buzz

Sun, Aug 28, 2011 : 12:42 p.m.

You people crack me up. You go around complaining that there are no updates to articles and when they do one, you complain.

Grimey

Tue, Aug 30, 2011 : 9:04 a.m.

Wait Buzz, you didn't know? All the people that post on a2dotcom are smarter than everyone else! And that's not them complaining, that's their moments of "genius" they lovingly share to remind every of just how smart they are! If only we'd listen... Tuh! But we don't.

lkelliot

Sun, Aug 28, 2011 : 2:15 a.m.

I hope they catch the rapist(s) soon. They reason I say this is that with students moving in and with the cuts in police, it'll be tougher to catch the suspect(s). At least that's what i think.

CynicA2

Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 9:20 p.m.

I would agree with Joe Kidd - I'd be willing to bet this guy came and went with the art fair crowd... perhaps working for someone associated with the whole scene. The attacks began just before the fair, and ended shortly after it left. That just seems more than a little bit coincidental to me. It would be interesting to know if similar attacks occurred at any other major art fairs around the country over the past couple of years. This guy might be some kind of transient.

Joe Kidd

Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 6:55 p.m.

I hope they have forwarded their cases to NCAVC to determine if the attacks match attacks in other areas. If the perp has moved his attacks will continue. From the frequency seen locally, it appears this suspect is a frequent offender. When they are on the move it is harder to ID your suspect. NCAVC compares cases for similarities. One problem with law enforcement is investigations are generally local or regional and offenses by the same suspect can be overlooked once they move to another a state or two away.

racerx

Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 4:28 p.m.

So, the update is that there is no update. Nothing has changed since the last attack. Please come back to us when you have more information that is different than what we who've been here, already know.

bruceae

Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 3:37 p.m.

People don't want an update, they want this guy caught and maybe if it doesn't cut in to their schedule of busting those dangerous pot smokers they could even solve a couple of the bank robberies? I know, they are going to be busy writing parking tickets to U of M families moving kids in but after that's done maybe some real police work can occur?

nowayjose

Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 4:17 p.m.

Oh, who didn't love you enough as a child?

Kai Petainen

Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 1:16 p.m.

it was incredibly nice that they gave an update, and (to me) its an indication that things have clearly improved at DPS. although DPS won't solve every crime and some crimes they'll close unsolved for whatever reason -- it gives me confidence that they are working for public safety, that they are collaborating with the city police, that the new leadership is good and that they are communicating with the public. i really appreciate this update and i'm thankful that they're keeping the public informed.

Joe Kidd

Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 6:49 p.m.

Improving? What improvement? The problems still exist.

Kai Petainen

Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 3:30 p.m.

its not about the check. I have been a critic of dps but i'm also a supporter when they are improving. am I annoyed that big and small cases have not been solved... sure thing. But I also see where they are improving and working hard. My thoughts are based as a person in the public and about public safety. it is not about the check. But I know about even the small case whereby even the department of homeland security couldn't solve in our town. Am I a critic, sure thing... but im also a supporter when they work hard... and i'm confident that they are now working hard.

Alan Goldsmith

Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 11:06 a.m.

Thanks for 'the update'.

huh7891

Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 10:53 a.m.

Homeland Conspiracy....there ya go, thinking again.

Homeland Conspiracy

Sat, Aug 27, 2011 : 10:48 a.m.

I didn't think they had the time for this...being so busy helping LAWNET bust marijuana dispensaries!

Steve Pepple

Tue, Aug 30, 2011 : 11:10 a.m.

Two previously posted comments have been removed. Please keep the conversation on topic and avoid taking personal digs at one another.