"I've got bad news to report. It is very unfortunate that the robbery suspect that we arrested and charged last week was not the only perpetrator of robbery offenses occurring in the city. Over the past few days, we have taken several other reports of robberies, both armed and unarmed.

• Mike's Party Store at 224 W. Michigan Ave
  Armed Robbery of business (occurred 01/13/07)
• Parsons near Farmer
  Unarmed Robbery of homeless person (occurred 01/13/07)
• 700 Blk. Congress
  Attempted Armed Robbery of resident (occurred 01/13/07)
• 200 Blk. N. Normal
  Unarmed Robbery of resident (occurred 01/11/07)

The first three incidents all took place on Jan. 13th (yesterday). All the incidents occurred during night time hours (after dark). Detectives are working to solve all the cases. The suspect that was caught last weekend is still in-custody, so we know he isn't involved in the above four incidents.

All residents are asked to be extra-careful until we apprehend the suspects involved in these robberies. One of the common factors among the robberies is that the victim was alone at the time of the robbery – obviously, this means that residents should try to partner together whenever possible when doing anything after dark. If you do go out, or come home from work, after dark, please keep porch lights and/or garage lights on as this may deter the suspect from approaching you. And, always, always, always be aware of your surroundings, especially as you are coming and going from your residence, a parking lot or a place of business. If you see something suspicious drive around the block and call us. If you're in you house or a place of business, stay inside and call us. We need to check on all suspicious persons, vehicles and activity that you see.

I will provide more information as I get it. Be careful out there and please get the word out for residents and businesses to be on the lookout for suspicious persons, vehicles and/or activity and, most importantly, report it to us immediately!

I'll have Det/Sgt. Troy Fulton compile a suspect description list for the robberies and we'll prepare a press release containing pertinent information to the media and to all neighborhood and business associations containing information that will assist in apprehension of the suspects involved.

Together we can get these incidents resolved before anyone gets seriously injured, albeit the victim of the street robbery on Parsons near Farmer was assaulted and injured by several suspects, who apparently wanted his coat and shoes as they relieved him of those clothing items.

REMEMBER: Report all suspicious activity, persons and vehicles to the Ypsilanti Police at 483-9510.

Please contact me or Det/Sgt. Troy Fulton with any information you may have with regard to these incidents. Det/Sgt. Fulton can be reached at tfulton@cityofypsilanti.com or 483-5843 (Detective Bureau) or 483-9510 (Dispatch). My contact information is listed below.