Ann Arbor Police release composite sketch of sexual assault suspect
Update: Ann Arbor Police Detectives investigating the scene Tuesday now believe the suspect is shorter— between 5 feet, 6 inches and 5 feet, 10 inches tall.
Ann Arbor Police have released a composite sketch of the suspect in a sexual assault reported around 12:40 a.m. Monday on South State Street.
The suspect is described as a white male, approximately 20 years old, with a muscular build. He is about 6 feet, 5 inches tall with brown hair and brown eyes.
According to police, the overnight attack was reported in the 700 block of South State, near Weill Hall on the University of Michigan’s central campus.
Ann Arbor Police released this composite sketch of the suspect in a sexual assault Monday in the 700 block of South State Street.
An 18-year-old female told authorities she was walking home from a party when a man grabbed her and pulled her into an alley. The woman said she was raped before the man fled northbound on foot. He was wearing a green T-shirt and khaki cargo pants, police said.
Police dispatchers received a call soon after and Ann Arbor Police Lt. Renee Bush said officers were on scene within 90 seconds. The woman was taken to the University of Michigan Hospital.
Detective Lt. Mark St. Amour said police are still interviewing the victim and other people walking in the area at the time. The woman was heading home alone at the time of the attack.
The attack came days after other assaults in Ann Arbor, one in the 900 block of Greenwood Avenue, and another in the 400 block of North Division. Police are seeking other suspects in those incidents.
“From what we can tell, these have been stranger assaults and so it makes it different than if it was an acquaintance or someone they knew,” St. Amour said. “Females should try not to walk alone, especially at nighttime, staying in open areas visible to the public.”
“To have stranger assaults, CSC’s (sexual assaults), is not common for Ann Arbor," he said.
Anyone with information can call the AAPD tip line at (734) 794-6939, email tips@a2gov.org or call the University of Michigan Department of Public Safety at (734) 763-1131.
Heidi Fenton covers police and courts for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at heidifenton@annarbor.com or 734-623-4673. You also can follow her on Twitter or subscribe to AnnArbor.com's e-mail newsletters.
Comments
Lynn Burns
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 12:09 p.m.
I was born and raised in AA. Back than it was very different living there. This is just my opinion but it is very sad that this rapist can only respond (get an erection) to the screams and terror of the victim he is raping. Says alot for his parents, and upbringing. He needs to be caught and caught soon. If you see someone that looks like the composite report to the police, if it turns out to NOT be that person so what...Only in this country do we protect the criminal. Victims have NO rights.
CincoDeMayo
Tue, Jul 19, 2011 : 9:17 p.m.
I just passed three guys that looked like this. On Huron St. Except they were all 5'6"ish to 5'8"ish.
football
Tue, Jul 19, 2011 : 7:46 p.m.
This picture looks like football player.
julieswhimsies
Tue, Jul 19, 2011 : 4:32 p.m.
Very disturbing....The composite picture of the alleged perpetrator looks like the average UofM student.
FreedomOfSpeech
Tue, Jul 19, 2011 : 4:03 p.m.
I'd suggest that an 'Open Carry" would be a better option. If this creep is surprise attacking from behind it would be awful hard to get into a purse and get the gun out... Especially if the future 'life in prison' candidate has it's own weapon. It stands to reason that a potential victim could defend herself, long enough to turn and unholster her gun, a lot easier than the CCW would allow.
RJA
Tue, Jul 19, 2011 : 5:01 a.m.
Women should carry a whistle, pepper spray, know where to kick, and if all else fails get the CCW permit. Walking with a group is great, but not always possible. I hope this coward is caught SOON!
Heidi Fenton
Tue, Jul 19, 2011 : 3:40 p.m.
@loves-fall This was an off-campus attack and did happen near Weill. It is being investigated by the city police department. Thanks for reading.
loves_fall
Tue, Jul 19, 2011 : 3:27 p.m.
I don't think this rape occurred on campus. There aren't any alleys on the campus side of State (as far as I know). I assumed that this happened on the west side of the street near Weill.
GuyIncognito
Tue, Jul 19, 2011 : 11:57 a.m.
The problem with your "all else fails" advice is that it's both against the law and against the school policy to carry concealed on campus (where this rape occurred). Now if one is choosing between their own safety and their compliance with the law, perhaps it IS advisable to opt for the former, but the bigger point in my mind is that people shouldn't have to choose in the first place. People should not have to balance their own safety versus the law. You should not have to make yourself an easy victim just to go to school.
Mariella
Tue, Jul 19, 2011 : 4:26 a.m.
Via feministlawprofessors.com: Sexual Assault Prevention Tips Guaranteed to Work! 1. Don't put drugs in people's drinks in order to control their behavior. 2. When you see someone walking by themselves, leave them alone! 3. If you pull over to help someone with car problems, remember not to assault them! 4. NEVER open an unlocked door or window uninvited. 5. If you are in an elevator and someone else gets in, DON'T ASSAULT THEM! 6. Remember, people go to laundry to do their laundry, do not attempt to molest someone who is alone in a laundry room. 7. USE THE BUDDY SYSTEM! If you are not able to stop yourself from assaulting people, ask a friend to stay with you while you are in public. 8. Always be honest with people! Don't pretend to be a caring friend in order to gain the trust of someone you want to assault. Consider telling them you plan to assault them. If you don't communicate your intentions, the other person may take that as a sign that you do not plan to rape them. 9. Don't forget: you can't have sex with someone unless they are awake! 10. Carry a whistle! If you are worried you might assault someone "on accident"you can hand it to the person you are with, so they can blow it if you do.
CincoDeMayo
Tue, Jul 19, 2011 : 9:19 p.m.
I like these. Please enforce.
nicole
Tue, Jul 19, 2011 : 1:42 a.m.
Interesting. Ann Arbor News can show the composite drawing of the suspect if he is white. But they can't even mention the fact that the men were black that jumped out of the car and punched a student unconscious a few days ago. Not very fair is it.
Bear
Tue, Jul 19, 2011 : 9:33 p.m.
not a very bright statement, Nicole. Especially in light of there being NO DESCRIPTION available to make a composite possible. Think before you speak please and leave your bigoted assumptions at home. I cannot believe that 12 people agreed with your unthinking assessment of the situation. I have a lot to complain about with A2.com's coverage of the news, but that ain't one of 'em. Are you that privileged that you think life should be 'fair'? It isn't and it doesn't bend to your whim of what 'fair' should mean. But I am sure none of this will sink in and you'll give little or no thought to any criticism you receive here. I just hope that I am wrong on that point & something might sink in and perhaps alter your perspective to something perhaps a little more mature. But I'm not holding my breath.
Hmm
Tue, Jul 19, 2011 : 3:48 p.m.
1. The perpatrators race was clearly listed in that article. 2. There was no composite drawing because there was no descriptions of the attackers other than "teenaged black males" 3. Whine much?
GuyIncognito
Tue, Jul 19, 2011 : 1:14 a.m.
It's too bad the powers that be in Ann Arbor and at UM still conspire to prevent people from defending themselves. It's become quite obvious that the local police are incapable of being everywhere at once, so let law-abiding citizens carry arms and defend themselves and each other.
Bear
Tue, Jul 19, 2011 : 9:16 p.m.
Screw the law; protect yourself! There's an old saying on the street, "I'd rather be judged by 12 than carried by 6."
GuyIncognito
Tue, Jul 19, 2011 : 2:22 a.m.
let's go with brother. Guess I better fill out my bio thing.
Urban Sombrero
Tue, Jul 19, 2011 : 2:01 a.m.
Sing it, sister! (Brother?) lol
GoBlue1984
Tue, Jul 19, 2011 : 12:59 a.m.
Thanks for the state aid cuts to cities across Michigan Rick... Those cuts will mean fewer police on patrol and more incidents like this. At least your rich neighbors will make out like bandits... the rest of us will just have to deal with bandits if we go for a walk at night. Thanks Rick!
Ed Kimball
Tue, Jul 19, 2011 : 12:42 p.m.
Of course there were CSCs before Snyder took office. The point is that under Snyder's cuts of grants to cities, the cities will be forced to cut their budgets and the biggest cuts are likely to come from the biggest expenditures, which are police and fire departments. Cutting safety departments is unlikely to make us safer.
average joe
Tue, Jul 19, 2011 : 10:46 a.m.
So are you are saying that there never was a CSC before Snyder took office?
John B. Knot
Tue, Jul 19, 2011 : 2:22 a.m.
Rich neighbors? The fewer police on patrol are not a result of "Michigan Rick's" policies. Great...babbling political incoherence....does it ever end?
Mr. Ed
Tue, Jul 19, 2011 : 12:28 a.m.
Did we forget the history of John Norman Collins. Woman get your CCW and get it now.
ummsw
Tue, Jul 19, 2011 : 2:10 a.m.
Please...not again,I was in high school, it was terrifying time in Ann Arbor..However today I had passing thoughts of that time..Everyone please be careful and use common sense.
donderop
Mon, Jul 18, 2011 : 11:56 p.m.
"To have stranger assaults, CSC's (sexual assaults), is not common for Ann Arbor," St. Amour said. Except for three in the past week. And the guy who was groping joggers a couple of weeks ago. Other than that, it never happens, right?
Goofus
Mon, Jul 18, 2011 : 11:36 p.m.
Hey dude, quit raping people!
julieswhimsies
Tue, Jul 19, 2011 : 4:37 p.m.
Rape is a serious crime. It can affect a woman's mental health for life. This is not a topic to be joked about...I find your post VERY offensive!
Fatkitty
Mon, Jul 18, 2011 : 11:33 p.m.
"The suspect is described as a white male, approximately 20 years old, with a muscular build. " Is this the tall 6'5" or the 5'6" one? A full description would be greatly appreciated.
Heidi Fenton
Mon, Jul 18, 2011 : 11:47 p.m.
@Fatkitty The State Street suspect was described as 6 feet, 5 inches with brown hair and brown eyes. I'll update the story with that line. Thanks for reading.
CynicA2
Mon, Jul 18, 2011 : 11:02 p.m.
... And while were at it, why don't we lay-off a few more cops. After all, crime is down - the Hieftje tells us so! Looks like the criminals are getting the word. Lies, Damn Lies, and Hieftje-istics.
a2citizen
Tue, Jul 19, 2011 : 2:08 a.m.
urban: I don't feel like your picking on me. I'm just getting tired of reading "...lay-off cops..." everytime a crime is commited. A2 police have more resources and, in this case, jurisdiction. (The first article was careful to note the attack took place off-campus, albeit across the street). These crimes are tragic but if the university cannot provide a safe environment with their own police force then they should ante up with A2. And if the answer is campus police are not responsible for what happens across the streets from the university, then rhe UofM population will have to deal with these crimes the same way as the rest of the city.
Urban Sombrero
Tue, Jul 19, 2011 : 12:57 a.m.
@A2 Citizen (and, since this is my second comment to you, I really hope it doesn't seem like I'm picking on you. I swear, I'm not) Anyway.....it's not just students that are on UM property after hours/late at night. And, for something this violent, I'd hope BOTH police depts. would work in conjunction with the other. But I feel like A2 should be taking the lead on this...(See my previous comment, above.) Again, I hope you don't think I'm singling you out. Just responding. I normally agree with much of what you say. :)
a2citizen
Tue, Jul 19, 2011 : 12:52 a.m.
Well, if the UofM contributed something to the city coffers maybe A2 police would contribute more manpower to the university areas. Till then, walk in pairs.
Urban Sombrero
Mon, Jul 18, 2011 : 10:28 p.m.
The way the cops make composites like that is pretty cool. Even though it's kind of creepy. This one looks wonky through the eyes/top of the nose. But still, pretty cool and probably a lot more effective than the old pencil drawings. Hopefully, they'll catch this guy soon. Before anyone else gets assaulted.
TrappedinMI
Mon, Jul 18, 2011 : 10:26 p.m.
I know of someone that looks just like this but he certainly isn't 6'5". Where could this guy be hiding???
loves_fall
Mon, Jul 18, 2011 : 10:17 p.m.
"Females should try not to walk alone, especially at nighttime, staying in open areas visible to the public." I don't know about anyone else, but I'm really sick of the mentality that women need to protect themselves by being escorted around town. It feels a little bit like blaming the victim. How about solving the crime problems?
FredMax
Tue, Jul 19, 2011 : 5:09 p.m.
@loves_fall I'm guessing that you are more an expert than I will ever be in this field. However, I do know something about people in general. If you can look around and see an awful lot of people that you would not be able to eliminate from your stated mold of a potential for violence (or those who would not care to recognize rape as a serious form of violence), then you may wish to seek out a better environment.
Enso
Tue, Jul 19, 2011 : 3:54 p.m.
It's too bad that because of a man, women are now being asked to change their behavior. Maybe it would be more just if because of this man we asked men to change their behavior. Perhaps men should be forced to walk with at least one but maybe more women late at night. And if they don't, they run the risk of being picked up and detained by the police for questioning in this crime. I just seems to me that if a man commits a crime against a woman, men should have to change their behavior, not women.
loves_fall
Tue, Jul 19, 2011 : 3:23 p.m.
@FredMax: Except that most rapes go unreported and the perpetrators serve no time in prison. (60% of sexual assaults unreported, 94% of rapists will never spend a day in jail -- RAINN). If 94% of RAPISTS spend no time in jail, I'd be willing to bed that an even higher percentage of those who commit lesser CSC ever see jail. Most of the time it's because we think it's not "that bad" or we're "making a big deal out of it" or we don't feel empowered to report it (because we know the authorities won't take it seriously). Poor conduct towards women isn't perpetrated by a "tiny subset" of men -- it's extremely common.
djm12652
Tue, Jul 19, 2011 : 2:07 p.m.
unfortunately, the criminal element realizes that a2 is a college town full of young idelaists that they [perps] often consider "victims" just by their behavior, needs and wants of "freedom" and independence. If you or anyone else has a real solution to solving crime problems, our under-staffed PD would probably appreciate it. Me personally, I take my well being and safety very seriously. I wouldn't step out in front of cars driving on Main St, anymore than putting myself in a situation of other possible danger...there's a sound logic behind the saying "strength in numbers"...
FredMax
Tue, Jul 19, 2011 : 1:19 p.m.
46% of rapists who were released from prison were re-arrested within 3 years of their release for another crime. <a href="http://rainn.org/get-information/statistics/sexual-assault-offenders" rel='nofollow'>http://rainn.org/get-information/statistics/sexual-assault-offenders</a> Roughly 2% of all adults have served time in prison. <a href="http://www.criminal-records.org/articles/criminal_offenders_stats.html" rel='nofollow'>http://www.criminal-records.org/articles/criminal_offenders_stats.html</a> With just 2 minutes of research, we can conclude that at least half of all rapes involve just a tiny criminal subset of "men".
loves_fall
Tue, Jul 19, 2011 : 1:48 a.m.
Quite frankly, I'd take my chances of being victimized before I'd sacrifice my personal freedoms in the name of safety. Statistically, women are much safer roaming the streets at night than either dating or being in a serious relationship with a man. Most women who are murdered know their murderer. (<a href="http://www.vpc.org/studies/dv4one.htm)" rel='nofollow'>http://www.vpc.org/studies/dv4one.htm)</a>. Most women who are raped are raped by someone they know. (<a href="http://www.rainn.org/statistics)" rel='nofollow'>http://www.rainn.org/statistics)</a>. So, sensational as this story is, I think the real danger to women is KNOWN men rather than unknown ones, so it's awfully hypocritical for women to be escorted around by known men in hopes of avoiding assault or worse.
Urban Sombrero
Tue, Jul 19, 2011 : 12:54 a.m.
@A2citizen...I do agree with you. But, how big is their police force? And, for something like this (violent assaults) is it really in the best interest of the citizens of the city to rely on a "security guard" police force (IE, UM cops), vs a professionally trained city force? If I had my druthers, I'd say A2 should be lead on this investigation, UM should be playing second. Maybe it's just me, though. Still, I have a feeling that our city cops are far more trained and experienced than the average UM security guard/cop.
a2citizen
Tue, Jul 19, 2011 : 12:50 a.m.
Urban sombrero: Do the UofM police have any responsibility in patrolling the campus areas? Or do they just issue traffic citations? If the university expects more A2 police deployed in their area then they should feed the city coffers.
FredMax
Tue, Jul 19, 2011 : 12:29 a.m.
There will always be scoundrels that take advantage of the defenseless. Don't kid yourself, there is no magic pill, no "crime or societal problem to be solved". If you are a woman, don't go out alone.
Urban Sombrero
Tue, Jul 19, 2011 : 12:16 a.m.
I hate to say it, but if it's women that are being targeted, maybe they (we) DO need to be more vigilant and a little more paranoid. I believe in gender equality as much as the next feminist. But, the reality of it is....physically, men are much more powerful than we are. And, as such, more able to put a woman into a position of submission. Instead of trying to be a hero, or a feminist icon, maybe we should use common sense. This dude is targeting women, alone, late at night. So, maybe....just maybe.....we shouldn't allow ourselves to be part of that demographic until he's caught. Let's face it, the lack of police doesn't help anything. Thanks a lot, Mayor Hieftje! You are SO RIGHT.......crime in Ann Arbor is down and there's nothing to worry about. Right? RIGHT???? (/sarcasm)
Fatkitty
Mon, Jul 18, 2011 : 11:53 p.m.
Imagine........... In a perfect world, women and children would not need to fear the thoughts and actions of their evil-minded neighbor. Guns and prisons would be of no use. Until then, common sense is, maybe not the best defense, but the easiest. When the short hairs on the back of your neck tell you that you're in a bad place, get the !$!@ out of there, or better yet, don't go there in the first place. Unfortunately, some of us must live in some degree of fear and recognize it as a sometimes useful tool (if not taken to the extreme). Personally, I would rather "protect myself" with an escort, at least until this guy is caught, than make the mistake in thinking that it will never happen to me, I can handle anything, I'm tough, etc..
alan
Mon, Jul 18, 2011 : 11:12 p.m.
I think we are all sick of it but it is the unfortunate reality. It will take solving much larger societal problems.
FredMax
Mon, Jul 18, 2011 : 10:41 p.m.
Like Minority report; before they happen.
RTFM
Mon, Jul 18, 2011 : 10:13 p.m.
With ears and lobes like that, it should be easy to isolate this individual.
sbbuilder
Mon, Jul 18, 2011 : 10:01 p.m.
"Females should try not to walk alone, especially at nighttime, staying in open areas visible to the public." I wonder if Mr Blue would care to comment on the officer's recommendation.