A reported armed robbery at the intersection of West Forrest Avenue and Perrin Street on March 12, 2026, was an isolated incident, Eastern Michigan University Chief of Police Matthew Lige told The Eastern Echo.
EMU students, employees and lecturers were notified by email on Mar. 12 that the incident had occurred at approximately 5 p.m. near the Honors College building, though its exact location categorized it as an off-campus crime. An individual that Lige confirmed to be an EMU student reportedly had their cell phone taken after an altercation with three individuals in a dark-colored SUV without a license plate.
"One of the subjects in the SUV was armed with a handgun," said the EMU Police Department email. "The vehicle fled south on Perrin St. away from campus."
A security camera image of the suspected vehicle used in a reported robbery near the Eastern Michigan University campus on March 12, 2026. (Courtesy of Matthew Lige)
The ongoing investigation is a joint effort between EMU police and Ypsilanti police, Lige said in a phone interview.
"We are sharing resources, sharing technology, sharing data, to identify the individuals involved in this and to hold them accountable for what was reported to have occurred," he said, later explaining that the investigation currently revolves around a review of security camera footage and a statement from the student.
Lige said that tracking stolen cell phones has become more difficult in recent years as tactics have evolved. In some cases, phones are turned off or even dismantled, and tracking has proven unsuccessful so far in this incident.
The most recent annual security report from the EMU Police Department reports only one incident of robbery between 2022 and 2024. The report advises that "The most important thing you can do during a robbery is to prevent, if possible, any violence." It goes on to add that there should always be an assumption that the perpetrator is armed, and that details of the crime should be written down after it occurs.
Lige recommended that students who are concerned about safety use the SEEUS service, which allows people on campus to be escorted to their destination on weekdays between 5 and 10 p.m. During other times, EMU law enforcement members can also assist in this, said Lige.
"Keep your cell phones available. If you are walking towards a group of individuals that make you uncomfortable, walk in a hurried pace in the opposite direction. If you believe that you are being followed by a group, to the extent that you can, flee the area and call 911 as soon as practical. We have our outside emergency action stations that can be used at any time," he said. The Eagle Ready app also provides crime notifications and safety resources.
"The safety of the students and staff here is paramount, and investigation is ongoing," said Lige. "We will work hard to get those individuals identified in this case, and and let the criminal justice system take it from there."
Lige said that the next steps of the investigation are to locate the vehicle and individuals involved. Tips can be sent to the EMU Police Department at 734-483-9510 or the Ypsilanti Police Department at 734-487-1222.
