Two robbed at knifepoint Sunday night in Ann Arbor
A man and woman were robbed at knifepoint Sunday night by two men near the intersection of 5th and West Jefferson streets, Ann Arbor police said.
At 11 p.m., the men approached the victims on a sidewalk, showed knives and demanded money, police spokeswoman Lt. Renee Bush said.
The victims, who live in Ann Arbor, handed over some cash and the men left the area.
Both suspects were white and had their faces partially covered. One was 5 feet, 11 inches tall, 20 to 28 years of age and had brown hair and brown eyes, police said. He was wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt, a jacket, blue jeans and black shoes. Police said he had a black scarf covering part of his face.
The other man was at least 6 feet tall, was wearing glasses and had blond or light-colored hair, a goatee and blue eyes, police said. It's unclear what he was wearing that partially covered his face.
Anyone with information can call the police department's tip line at (734) 794-6939.
Lee Higgins covers crime and courts for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached by phone at (734) 623-2527 and email at leehiggins@annarbor.com.
Comments
Greg M
Thu, Mar 1, 2012 : 8:50 p.m.
Well, it's water under the bridge now, but I believe this happened at 5th *Ave* and *East* Jefferson St; much closer to the prior incident at Hill/Olivia than 5th St and West Jefferson St. I hope the victims are ok.
Sallyxyz
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 2:44 a.m.
More and more of these kinds of crimes. AA is really changing, and not for the better. I've read about more and more of these street assaults around town, in good areas. Walking around town late in the evening is really a risk. As far as increasing street patrols, city hall has cut police positions and I doubt they will come up with the funds for foot or bike patrols. Thugs cruise around neighborhoods looking for targets, park their SUV, jump out, commit their crimes and take off. There is little anyone can do, including police who can't be everywhere, except to not walk around late at night, unless you carry a weapon, and most students do not. Stay on the main streets with good lighting, or take a cab to and from downtown. Definitely worth the cost, given the increases in parking rates and risk of walking or driving after a few drinks.
justcurious
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 3:43 p.m.
And the beat goes on.....
The Black Stallion3
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 3:30 p.m.
If these thieves were to approach me we would defiantly have a different outcome. That is why I have a license to carry.
Enso
Thu, Jan 26, 2012 : 8:13 p.m.
@ Ron, It could also be likely that gun carriers don't get approached because they are predominately white males watching fox-news at home at that hour.
cinnabar7071
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 6:15 p.m.
smoke just so you sound more informed next time, its not legal shoot someone in the back, only criminals shoot people in the back. Please people know the law or it will be you who goes to prison.
Ron Granger
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 4:56 p.m.
I think the idea is that he pulls the gun out instead of the wallet. Much more likely, they would not approach him. The gun gives his posture a level of confidence that deters a lot of casual crime. Criminals look for people who look scared or vulnerable. It's how you walk, how you hold yourself, and how you respond to their sizing you up. Over the past year I have read a lot of crime reports on this site. I can't recall a single case of a perp engaging with a licensed gun owner. I'm guessing that's because the confidence they project makes them look like a risky target, and perps do not engage. Or maybe the gun owners don't want to end up in a crime report, with all the scrutiny that entails, so they don't report it. The trouble is, knives at close range are extremely dangerous. Experts teach that a knife a few feet away is already way too close. If he drew the gun and merely pointed it, they could still stick him. Hopefully they would run, but you can't know.
The Black Stallion3
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 4:54 p.m.
I don't need to get it "Out" it works very well from the position it is in.....so to answer your question very simply....Yes
smokeblwr
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 4:06 p.m.
Could you really get the gun out fast enough? I guess you could shoot them in the back when they're running away in order to get your wallet back....
mm17
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 3:21 p.m.
Sounds an awful lot like the crime alert that was issued one week ago: Date of Incident: Jan. 16, 2012 at 12:30am Location: Off-campus Hill at Olivia streets Offense: Armed robbery Summary: (updated on Jan 16 2012 02:30) As told to the Ann Arbor Police, as two people were walking near the intersection, two unknown males approached them. Both suspects brandished knives and demanded money, which one gave them. The suspects fled on foot southbound on Olivia. Suspects: 1: White male, 20 years old, 6', 140 pounds, thin build, wearing glasses, a puffy black jacket, a blue scarf over his face and a hat 2: White male, 20 years old, 6'1", 140 pounds, wearing a black jacket, scarf over his face and a knit hat
Linda Peck
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 2:56 p.m.
I would like to see police on foot return to our streets, especially in the evenings and at night, as it used to be.
Enso
Thu, Jan 26, 2012 : 8:17 p.m.
@ Linda We could, and it would be nice to have more police to be able to do that, but Republicans don't want to pay taxes.
Ron Granger
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 3:34 p.m.
Foot patrols don't cover nearly enough ground. Bike patrols are a far more effective use of our tax dollars. I don't think Ann Arbor does not do nearly enough with BPs. Park the cars, get on the bikes. In winter they can use studded bike tires. They can park the bikes during storms, but otherwise they should be on them. Use the cars for rapid response and backups. Regardless of how much we spend on police, do not expect police to be around when a crime is committed. Even dumb criminals have the uncanny ability to make sure nobody else is around when they target their victims. They also tend to target people who look vulnerable.
BornNRaised
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 3:22 p.m.
So would the police. Why don't you go to a council meeting and ask them for it?
pbehjatnia
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 2:38 p.m.
really tall, a goatee, glasses. wow. he is a genius of disguise.