Late night on August 5, the Ann Arbor Police Department responded to a report of an indecent exposure in downtown Ann Arbor. By the time they arrived, the witnesses and suspect were gone. For years, Ann Arbor residents have reported run-ins with the same man accused of assault, harassment and stalking incidents, but have been left frustrated over safety concerns and inadequate local mental health resources.
Residents say these encounters reflect a broader pattern of behavior. Court records reviewed by The Michigan Daily show the offender has a total of 34 closed cases. Between 2005 and 2023, the defendant was convicted of 10 misdemeanors — mostly assault under Michigan statute 750.81 — receiving probation terms ranging from 12 to 24 months. He also served 180 days in jail for a 2017 felony aggravated assault charge and 93 days for a 2006 domestic violence charge. Five other misdemeanor assault cases were dismissed. Neither the individual nor his lawyer responded to requests for comment in time for publication.
Washtenaw County Sheriff Alyshia Dyer said in an interview with The Daily that officers often respond to situations where the underlying problems are rooted in mental health or substance use, but the methods of intervention are limited…