Posted on Sat, Mar 12, 2011 : 11:29 a.m.
Sexual assault reported at Forest Street parking structure in Ann Arbor
By AnnArbor.com Staff
University of Michigan police have issued a crime alert about a sexual assault reported at the South Forest Street parking structure in Ann Arbor, at 616 S. Forest Ave.
According to the alert, a female student told Ann Arbor police that she was walking alone on the north side of the structure at 12:45 a.m. today when she was pushed to the ground by four unknown men, one of whom assaulted her. They fled in an unknown direction.
The suspects are described as four white males, 18-24 years old, possibly wearing sweatpants and U-M sweatshirts. One possibly had brown curly hair.
Anyone with any information is asked to call the U-M Department of Public Safety at 734-763-1131.
Comments
Tru2Blu76
Sat, Mar 12, 2011 : 8:57 p.m.
This young lady has suffered at the hands of brutal men. My sincere sympathy as a father and citizen goes out to her. I do hope her family will help her get through the after effects. It is common to see young women walking alone at night on the streets and in parking structures in the campus area. It's also common to see young women in that kind of situation immersed in conversations on their cell phones. This just makes a "perfect" set of vulnerabilities which a few brutal males will "take advantage of." I hope all of the women who are present on the U of M campus and on the streets of Ann Arbor become more aware of and avoid these vulnerabilities. Sexual assaults can't be undone, there's no "insurance" for the damages once they've occurred. Marquise Marie de Vichy-Chamrond wrote in a letter to Voltaire: " Women are never stronger than when they arm themselves with their weakness." -- I disagree and I urge that women everywhere arm themselves with all the resources available, including an awareness of what you're doing and where you are at. Women bring joy to the world - there is no sanity in causing them harm, fear, anger or sadness.
Ricebrnr
Sat, Mar 12, 2011 : 8:56 p.m.
If U of M doesn't allow students or visitors the tools to defend themselves, don't they have the corresponding obligation to make sure these events don't happen also? If that premise is true then they might need some litigation to remedy this obvious shortcoming...
Tru2Blu76
Sat, Mar 12, 2011 : 9:11 p.m.
Of course I agree with you on the point you've made. But in the wake of the Virginia Tech massacre, what was University of Michigan's response? They "enhanced" their email notification system. Bravo! (being sarcastic here) In other words, the real world example of a mass killing in university classrooms had virtually no effect on college administrators who allegedly are charged with and concerned with the safety of their students and faculty. Put on the bandaid and go right on leaving the door open, while depriving real human beings their right to defend their own lives. "Good thinking!" - NOT!
krc
Sat, Mar 12, 2011 : 6:49 p.m.
Yeah, right. Like banning these punks from campus is going to keep them out.
HADES
Sun, Mar 13, 2011 : 6:41 p.m.
Exactly! People come from all over just to target U of M students! I have read stories of people coming from Detroit, Toledo and I have heard people from Milan saying that they go to Ann Arbor just to hurt U of M students for fun. If you qualify and don't have a criminal record, I think everyone should have a CPL! I think if you have a CPL you should be allowed to carry on campus at U of M or EMU! The Police are not always going to be there! From my experiences they are NEVER there when you need them! Don't EVER rely on someone else to help you.
RJA
Sat, Mar 12, 2011 : 6:23 p.m.
The student probably shouldn't have been alone, but with the same token if she had a friend (or a couple) with her it may not have prevented the assult by these 4 punks. I agree they should be banned from the campus, even if they are students there. I hope this lady is OK after this horrible attack.
Somewhat Concerned
Sat, Mar 12, 2011 : 6:14 p.m.
And later last night there was a robbery on Hill St. That side of campus has become as safe at night as Detroit. You rarely see cops, and when you do, they are driving by in cars with windows rolled up and cell phones in their ears. They might notice a house on fire, if the flames are big enough. There is no feeling of safety and in light of the number of crimes, no fear on the part of criminals. I wouldn't send a kid to live on that side of campus or attend one of the schools on that side - the education, social work and business schools. The main activity of UM DPS seems to be send out crime alerts the next day.
Tru2Blu76
Sat, Mar 12, 2011 : 9:18 p.m.
Yes, the U of M Dept. of Public Safety seems like a rent-a-cop operation at times. Those "crime alerts" you mention can be interpreted as "advertisements" or "announcement" that another crime has been committed on campus. Yeay for us, we've allowed another crime on campus! Now, respect our uniforms and badges - they represent this important service we provide! Hah!
MjC
Sat, Mar 12, 2011 : 5 p.m.
I realize they can't be everywhere, but DPS needs to increase its visability around campus during the evening hours. Students need to be continually educated and reminded about taking safety precautions. And if these four punks are caught, I hope they're banned from the campus in accordance to the UM's trespass policy (currently under revision).
Ignatz
Sun, Mar 13, 2011 : 9:30 a.m.
That's true, DPS can't be everywhere. This is especially true of the Forest structure, which while has U-M spaces in it, is actually run by Republic for the city.