Eastern Michigan University students report kidnapping, armed robbery
An Eastern Michigan University student reported he and another student were kidnapped and robbed by a gunman who jumped into their vehicle early today, Ypsilanti police said.
The 18-year-old said he and the other student were forced to drive to two ATMs in the city to withdraw $300 cash for the masked man, the release said.
The 18-year-old said the incident occurred at about 12:30 a.m. as they were driving in the area of Ballard and West Cross streets near the EMU campus. He said a man wearing a black ski mask and dark clothing jumped into their vehicle and produced a handgun, the release said.
The man reported the robber forced them to drive to two cash machines, where they withdrew $300, the release said. He said they dropped the robber off in the area of Washtenaw and Hewitt.
The student returned to campus and called police about an hour later. Officers contacted the other 18-year-old student, who had driven to the Downriver area, and he refused to come in for an interview and said he would speak to police later in the day, officers said.
No injuries were reported. A detailed description of the masked man was not available.
Police said they're trying to confirm the information, and the investigation is continuing.
Comments
LaMusica
Wed, Dec 9, 2009 : 9:42 a.m.
Update...2 people have been arrested in this story, one of which was one of the "victims." Looks like it was a big set up.
I_love_ann_arbor
Tue, Dec 8, 2009 : 6:19 p.m.
Another crime that sounds pretty hinky to me. No one had a cell phone? How did he get in the car? Was it a four door car. This is probably going to be another false police report.
Ralph
Tue, Dec 8, 2009 : 5:06 p.m.
It should also be said that the under reporting of crime in Ann Arbor and over reporting of crime in Ypsilanti has been going on for decades. How many of the sexual assaults, burglaries, robberies and vehicle thefts occuring in October, in A2, as reported by the Ann Arbor Observer actually make it into the Ann Arbor.com? For October crime as reported by the City, U of M and Pittsfield Township are as follows: 65 burglaries, 6 sexual assaults, 24 vehicle thefts and 10 robberies. So when you ask: What the hell is going on in Ypsilanti, I want to know what the hell is going on in Ann Arbor?!!!!!
LaMusica
Tue, Dec 8, 2009 : 4:08 p.m.
This DEFINITELY sounds fishy...didn't call the police as soon as you could, one of them wouldn't come in to talk to the police, and if there's no description available, it sounds like they don't really have one. One would think if there was one, the cops would get that out right away, considering this "robber" is armed. It will be interesting to see how this one plays out.
Ralph
Tue, Dec 8, 2009 : 3:58 p.m.
Late at night, drive into a blind alley! How stupid. Sounds like a made up story.
djm12652
Tue, Dec 8, 2009 : 1:23 p.m.
A lot of assumptions being made...The story does not say one person withdrew money twice...it states "they" withdrew money [could have maxed out each daily amount, who knows?]...however, on the other hand...holes in the story...why would anyone, especially an EMU student ride around with their car doors unlocked? And the student hesitant? Hmmm...more to the story?
Ricebrnr
Tue, Dec 8, 2009 : 12:11 p.m.
hmm, my friend and I both got at least $400 to make a purchase from a credit union ATM (not our banks) just last month. Still begs the question why not max the limit at one atm instead of two?
unclemercy
Tue, Dec 8, 2009 : 11:40 a.m.
all you can get is fifteen twenties out the atm, i'll take of them. standard.
tdw
Tue, Dec 8, 2009 : 10:51 a.m.
before anyone jumps to conclucions rember that the last few EMU crime stories ended up being false
Dog Lover
Tue, Dec 8, 2009 : 10:36 a.m.
This story really is fishy...they waited an hour to call the police and the victim refused to come in for an interview?! Where's the urgency? Hmmm....
InsideTheHall
Tue, Dec 8, 2009 : 10:17 a.m.
This smells fishy. There is more to this story.
Ricebrnr
Tue, Dec 8, 2009 : 10:05 a.m.
Interesting story. Wonder why only $300 from the 2 different ATMs? The daily limit is usually higher than that. At least we can take comfort that this criminal waited outside of the EMU campus with his gun. Wouldn't want to cross that boundry and rack up yet another charge.
god's hammer
Tue, Dec 8, 2009 : 9:57 a.m.
What the hell is going on in Ypsilanti!