EAST LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – The East Lansing Police Department released an advisory on its Facebook page on Monday night saying they are aware of “an individual in the downtown district wearing a black plastic mask and reported to be carrying a hammer and scissors.”
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The department said it met with the individual and his family over the weekend to discuss the concerning behavior. In addition, police are working with ELPD’s Neighborhood Resource Teams, Crisis Intervention Team, and social workers.
It appears many in the community have rejected the department’s approach.
One commenter wrote under the Facebook post, “I’m dumbfounded that you have an armed individual who is menacing students on campus and you are literally choosing the ‘let’s wait until he attacks someone with the hammer and scissors before we do anything about this situation’ approach. Isn’t the fact that he is terrorizing the community enough?!? Protect and serve – not sit and wait.”
Another person appeared upset at many of the officials in East Lansing government. “Well I’m sure ELPD has to run it by the city council and oversight committee before they’re allowed to do anything. Both of which could care less about the safety of the students. The criminals have the rights in East Lansing thanks to the city council and mayor.”
Newly appointed Ingham County Prosecutor John Dewane came up in the conversation. He recently replaced retiring prosecutor Carol Siemon who refused to prosecute certain cases. The commenter stated, “There is a new Sheriff in town at the Prosecutor’s Office. I know he will take this danger off the streets.”
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It appears another commenter tried to play Devil’s advocate. “So is he actually a threat? Maybe he just carries a hammer because MSU has unconstitutionally removed his natural right to other means of self defense?”
Calls to the East Lansing Police Department were not returned by press time.
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