Posted on Tue, Mar 20, 2012 : 6:06 a.m.
U-M student punched then robbed during walk in the Arb
By Paula Gardner
A University of Michigan student told police she was walking in the Arb on Monday when a man punched her in the face then robbed her.
According to a crime alert sent late Monday from the Department of Public Safety, the woman was on a path near the Readers Center in Nichols Arboretum at about 4:40 p.m. when a man approached her.
He punched her in the face and knocked her down, then took her cell phone and cash.
The man was described as black, in his early 20s, 5 feet 8 inches to 5 feet 10 inches tall, with a chubby build and chubby face. He was wearing a dark blue T-shirt and dark cargo shorts.
Anyone with information is asked to call DPS at 734-763-1131.
Comments
Watcher
Wed, Mar 21, 2012 : 1:39 p.m.
I wonder why this story so quickly disappeared from the headlines. Some doubts about the report?
FormerMichRes
Tue, Mar 20, 2012 : 11:41 p.m.
Used to live in Ann Arbor. I agree, it is a different place even from five years ago. Ann Arbor has a reputation of being weak on crime ... and full of easy marks. All you have to do is read the string of articles related to criminal activity and outsiders on this website. I would say most of the trouble-makers on St. Pats day were outsiders of one sort or another. You won't see any changes until Ann Arborites begin electing people who have a more "law and order" mindset. But that won't happen until Ann Arborites change their attitudes and become more "law and order" oriented. There are more than a few libs (UM faculty and some high level staff) who might argue that some crime is good -- a sort of penance for being well-off -- as long as it does not happen to you. Anyway, even their attitudes will change once property values start taking a hit... similar to let's say Detroit.
CPLtownie
Tue, Mar 20, 2012 : 6:11 p.m.
I concede the 'federal 'crime part, my poor choice of words. As to the U of M's status of property, also concede that it is not 'federal' property, although people recommend that you might as well treat it as such - take your chances carrying as someone did across the Diag and got 'taken down' by university police last year. Either way, know where and where you cannot carry - as to the person so adamant about whether you can carry on u of m property, best of luck to you. Best to treat university property like the post office - off limits. Eep is correct in saying you may carry if you are on a public street adjacent to university property.
Wehrwolf
Tue, Mar 20, 2012 : 4:59 p.m.
Let's try to clear a few things up. First, UoM is NOT federal property (i.e. United States Government property) except maybe the Gerald Ford presidential library on North Campus. If it were there would be a defacto ban on firearms, regardless of state law. We would not be having this discussion. If they told you this at your CPL class , they don't know what they're talking about, and I would suggest not recommending that class to others. Second, UoM, Wayne State, MSU, and other regent governed public Michigan universities are given the ability by the state constitution to pass and enforce their own ordinances including those relating to firearms possession. This is NOT because they are federal property (which they AREN'T), but because they are exempt from the state firearms preemption clause which normally prevents a "unit of local government" from enforcing laws relating to firearms possession. UoM (and other state universities) can make stricter firearm possession ordinances and enforce them because they are not included in the definition of "units of local government". This has been a contentious issue for some time, and some argue it to be unconstitutional. MSU changed their ordinance some time ago to be more in agreement with state law regarding carry on college campuses. You can carry CONCEALED on MSU property provided you do not enter any university buildings. Finally, these ordinances carry the weight of law. Violation is not a "federal crime", but a misdemeanor punishable by up to 60 days in jail or a fine, in the case of UM's ordinance. A conviction could also put your CPL in jeopardy. It is recommended that if you are carrying, to avoid even driving on streets that adjoin UM property. If you are stopped for any reason, you are required by law to incriminate yourself by disclosing to the LEO that you have a CPL and are carrying.
Eep
Wed, Mar 21, 2012 : 5:08 a.m.
Here is the actual language (from Public Act 80 of 1905) that authorizes the UofM Regents to pass ordinances. "The department of management and budget, the state board of education, the department of social services, the board of control of the Michigan technological university, the department of mental health, the department of corrections, the department of education, the board of regents of the university of Michigan, the department of agriculture, and the board of managers of state fairs may prescribe rules and regulations for the care, preservation, and protection of buildings and property dedicated and appropriated to the public use, over which they have jurisdiction or power of control and the conduct of those coming upon the property thereof, which is necessary for the maintenance of good order and the protection of the state property; may enforce the rules and regulations, and empower 1 or more persons with the authority prescribed in this act, and may cause a person found guilty of a violation of this act to be punished in the manner prescribed in this act."
Eep
Wed, Mar 21, 2012 : 4:59 a.m.
@Ricebrnr This isn't a close call or a "maybe, maybe not" situation. The UofM Regents can pass ordinances that regulate people on University owned or leased property. They can't pass ordinances that regulate people who aren't on University owned or leased property. A city-owned street and a city-owned sidewalk are not University owned or leased property. If you don't believe me, FOIA the policies/memos that the University has issued to their own police officers to make sure they don't mess this up.
Ricebrnr
Wed, Mar 21, 2012 : 1:48 a.m.
@Eep Maybe, maybe not. Logically I should be able to legally concealed carry on their side of State St. However if they do stop me for whatever reason... It would be costly to find out for certain and none one wants to be the test case do they?
Eep
Tue, Mar 20, 2012 : 5:43 p.m.
A person who disclosed that they were carrying a concealed pistol in compliance with State law would NOT incriminate themself just because they were driving on a public street adjoining UofM property. The UofM police have the authority to enforce State law on public streets that adjoin the campus. The UofM police have no authority to enforce a University ordinance anywhere other than the University's actual property - the ordinance has no effect on a public street. This also applies to public sidewalks that adjoin UofM property. It is perfectly legal to carry a concealed pistol (with the proper state license) in your vehicle while driving down State Street or even while walking on the public sidewalk fronting State Street in front of the Michigan Union. You would only run into a potential problem if you stepped off the sidewalk onto the grass, or if you drove on a street that was actually owned by the University (such as the streets on North Campus and parts of the Medical Center).
SW40
Tue, Mar 20, 2012 : 4:39 p.m.
I have checked my facts and I know the law and taken the classes, University of Michigan is private property, not federal property. The University of Michigan is not and never has been federal property, if it the federal land or property the jurisdiction for law enforcement purposes would fall to federal law enforcement and not state sworn law enforcement officers, kind of how in Washington D.C there are capital police or federal parks police. You are confusing so many issues its actually sad, your ignorance on this issue does a disservice to those of us that support responsible concealed carry on university campuses. It is because people like you that don't know the law so many people are aprehensive about allowing a more lenient cpl law. By the way, The board of regents at UofM are a body governed by the state of michigan and the governor, not federal law when enacting board of regent policies, UofM is private property, get it straight, not federal property.
CPLtownie
Tue, Mar 20, 2012 : 6:25 p.m.
I highly doubt confusing private vs federal vs public land affects 'responsible concealed carry' on campuses. There's enough problems on campuses without adding privileges such as cpl to college life. I'm all for lenient cpl, and lenient gun laws - after all, people going through the proper avenues to purchase & carry are not the people creating the larger issue of crime, as we are sadly experiencing here in Ann Arbor. IMHO, leave colleges to their better staffed police departments. It's the general public that are left to fend for themselves due to incessant cutbacks.
CPLtownie
Tue, Mar 20, 2012 : 3:54 p.m.
Regent Ordinance Article X (Weapons) Regent Amended Ordinance Article X (Weapons) applies to the possession of weapons on University properties.. Section 1. Scope of Article X. Article X applies to all property owned, leased, or otherwise controlled by the Regents of the University of Michigan and applies regardless of whether the individual has a concealed weapons permit or is otherwise authorized by law to possess, discharge or use any device referenced below. Section 2. Possession of Firearms, Dangerous Weapons and Knives. Except as otherwise provided in Section 4, no person shall while on any property owned, leased, or otherwise controlled by the Regents of the University of Michigan: (1) possess any firearm or any other dangerous weapons as defined in or interpreted under Michigan law or (2) wear on his or her person or carry in his or her clothing any knife, sword or machete having a blade longer than four (4) inches, or, in the case of a knife with a mechanism to lock the blade in place when open, longer than three (3) inches. Section 3. Discharge or Use of Firearms, Dangerous Weapons and Knifes. Except as otherwise provided in Section 4, no person shall discharge or otherwise use any device listed in the preceding Section on any property owned, leased or otherwise controlled by the Regents of the University of Michigan.
SW40
Tue, Mar 20, 2012 : 3:47 p.m.
CPLtownie, please cite the federal law outlawing the carrying of concealed pistols on UofM property, I'll help you out there isn't one. Concealed carry is a state law and while there are pistol free zones that are included in the law, college campuses aren't included except for dormitories and class rooms. Not being able to carry on college campuses is a result of University policy in terms of areas outside of dorms and classroooms. The CPL law is confusing enough without people posting misinformation on a newspaper blog, get your facts straight.
CPLtownie
Tue, Mar 20, 2012 : 3:52 p.m.
check your facts and take the class. U of M is federal property, and according to the LAWYER that taught my class, it may make its own rules regarding weapons on their property. http://www.umd.umich.edu/317101/
CPLtownie
Tue, Mar 20, 2012 : 1:57 p.m.
Chalk body outlines on Ann Arbor's sidewalks would make a nice addition to the City's Art Collection. Keep up the cuts in the PD & FD, Mayor, and we'll have plenty of Art in the city. Burned houses, police tape, performance *riot* art, chalk outlines, taggings, artful touching... Gee, I can't wait for my night shift at work tonight. As a Ann Arbor woman, I am appalled at the City and their inability to man up and protect the taxpayers of this city.
Ben Connor Barrie
Tue, Mar 20, 2012 : 1:29 p.m.
To be clear, Nichols Arboretum is under the jurisdiction of Umich DPS, not AAPD. Also, I *think* it's against the law to cary on University Property even with a CPL except under a narrow range of circumstances.
CPLtownie
Tue, Mar 20, 2012 : 1:45 p.m.
It is a federal crime to carry on U of M property. Mace Mace Mace Mace. although with the current state of affairs, I'd rather be up on carrying charges than raped, mugged, beaten, and possibly stuffed in tupperware in the woods...Just say'n. Much rather plead to a judge than have my family and friends mourn me.
justcurious
Tue, Mar 20, 2012 : 1:12 p.m.
Ann Arbor is a changed place. Those who realize this will be aware and wary, not walk alone at night, carry pepper spray and hope for the best. A police officer would not have been there for this woman. It's very sad.
thecompound
Tue, Mar 20, 2012 : 12:27 p.m.
For some reason when I read this story, this older story came to mind: http://www.annarbor.com/news/crime/62-year-old-woman-punched-on-spring-street-in-ann-arbor/ hope the victim recovers, both physically and mentally
DNB
Tue, Mar 20, 2012 : 12:32 p.m.
Yes, the description, and method of attack sound very similar ... good memory! A2.com: I wish we could still click on a link - instead we now have to copy & paste *sigh*
kathryn
Tue, Mar 20, 2012 : 11:45 a.m.
Very, very sorry to hear about this. The Arb is one of the jewels of the city.
Mike58
Tue, Mar 20, 2012 : 11:58 a.m.
Not any more. It looks like AA is getting a reputation as a place where thugs can prey on people with little worry of getting caught. I fear it will get much worse before it gets better.
CPLtownie
Tue, Mar 20, 2012 : 11:18 a.m.
Seriously. When is are the townspeople & city hall going to wake up? How many people have to be hurt? Last weekend was deplorable. Dump the Art Bucket into the police & fire bucket and get this town back from the grubby hands of the social miscreants. *Self defense classes if you don't like guns - visit your local YMCA. *Mace. OC10 is a great way to put a damper on an attacker's day. Biv sells it up on State (of course, buy 2, you'll use one can during your walk on State) *CPL self defense gun class - exercise YOUR rights - WXYZ's story yesterday about a law abiding citizen confronting a man with a large hunting knife, possibly saving several lives out in Royal Oak area.
pbehjatnia
Tue, Mar 20, 2012 : 11:12 a.m.
but, hey shredding the aapd to pieces over the last few years hasn't made violent crime in aa more common. nope. has nothing to do with it. i personally think it must be global warming and i am very comfortable with it. especially since, thanks to great leadership under mayor hieftje and former chief barnett jones, there is still a serial rapist(s) under way in aa. yep. i feel great in the deuce. thanks hieftje.
actionjackson
Tue, Mar 20, 2012 : 12:39 p.m.
The Arboretum should fall under the protection of UofM's Public Safety.
CPLtownie
Tue, Mar 20, 2012 : 11:10 a.m.
CPL.