University of Michigan student sexually assaulted inside bar, Ann Arbor police say
A female University of Michigan student was sexually assaulted early Saturday inside The Blue Leprechaun, a bar on South University Avenue, Ann Arbor police said.
A man was questioned after the 1:30 a.m. incident, and was then released as the investigation continues, Det. Sgt. Brian Jatczak said.
Witnesses told police the man was standing behind the 21-year-old woman and was grinding up against her, police said. According to witnesses, the victim was intoxicated and nearly passed out, police said.
It's unclear whether anyone intervened and to what degree the woman was assaulted, Jatczak said. The victim, who does not know the man, was taken to the University of Michigan Hospital for evaluation.
Anyone with information is asked to call the department's tip line at (734) 794-6939.
Comments
Davidian
Wed, Apr 21, 2010 : 7:04 a.m.
Not to defend the "grinder," but this doesn't seem like sexual assault. Also, being wasted to the verge of passing out isn't "asking for it," but it's certainly putting yourself in a situation to be victimized.
treetowncartel
Wed, Apr 21, 2010 : 6:43 a.m.
See, pro football players like Ben Rostheligberger are role models for Americas's youth.
BigB
Wed, Apr 21, 2010 : 12:32 a.m.
This kind of thing shouldn't happen in ann arbor. We pay way too high of taxes! I'm not going to let my severely obese 19 year old step-child to go out on those filthy south university streets anymore!!
robyn
Tue, Apr 20, 2010 : 10:48 p.m.
Ewww - that's just creepy! Not trying to place blame on the victim, but we all have to take responsibility for our own behavior and safety. Drinking to the point of being almost passed out (was she alone or did she have friends at the bar with her?) does make it far easier to be victimized like that. It's really unfortunate, she made a poor choice and the consequences of that choice is probably something that will cause her a lot of emotional distress - possibly for the rest of her life. While NO ONE has a right to do that to someone - placing one's self in a postion that may invite it to happen is really dangerous. I hope she's okay.
stonecutter1
Tue, Apr 20, 2010 : 10:36 p.m.
Also, was she taken to the hospital for the "grinding", or alcohol intoxication?
stonecutter1
Tue, Apr 20, 2010 : 10:33 p.m.
Maybe there is more to this story than is being reported, but if every woman who was "grinded" on at a bar claimed sexual assault, half of UM males would be in custody!
Anonymous Due to Bigotry
Tue, Apr 20, 2010 : 7:04 p.m.
If true, this story is incredibly sad and sickening. I'm not sure what role the "freak dancing" plays here (a girl engaging in this may be perceived as "more willing") but I wish people would try to be honest with the young women about the fact that they just aren't safe when they're drunk.