South Bend man arrested in connection to Elkhart strong-arm robbery

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michael clay

Michael Clay (photo provided)

By Tiffany Griffin

Story Created: Aug 21, 2008 at 9:15 AM EST

Story Updated: Aug 21, 2008 at 9:37 AM EST

ELKHART — A 19-year-old South Bend man was arrested for suspicion of strong-arm robbery after a man was attacked and robbed early Wednesday.

A 47-year-old man was robbed while he was walking to work about 3:30 a.m. Wednesday in the 600 block of Harrison Street, according to Elkhart Police.

The victim told officers he was approached by two men who asked him for a cigarette. When he told them he didn’t have a cigarette, they hit him in the head and face with their fists, he told police.

The man fell to the ground, and the assailants continued hitting and kicking him in the face, back and ribs, police said. The pair then took the man’s wallet and fled.

The man walked to the police station. An ambulance was called and he was taken to Elkhart General Hospital for treatment of bruises to his face and ribs, and a possible broken nose.

Officers who responded to the scene found the victim’s wallet, then questioned two men nearby who matched the description of the suspects.

Police arrested 19-year-old Michael Clay and took him to jail. The case has been forwarded to the prosecutor’s office for consideration of formal charges.

Sunday, Aug 24 at 11:44 PM ii wrote ...

Yes, kids will make their own decisions. But, as terri taylor pointed out, SHE had values "instilled in her by her parents". Somehow, those magic values skipped a generation, though, didn't they? The tragic truth is that our parent's values surrounded us, at school and in the world, because they were the accepted norm for our society. Now, our society thinks there is no normal. Idiots. Parents- BE PICKY about your kids friends; bad company corrupts good morals. It isn't "rude" to be a parent.

Saturday, Aug 23 at 3:05 AM Concerned citizen... wrote ...

Im sorry to the gentleman that has been attacked, Im sorry our youth are so misled &/or willing to hurt without a second thought. This young man needs some psychiatric help. WHERE'S THE PARTNER?? LETS SEE HIS PIC UP NEXT. EPD I HOPE YOU FIND HIM SOON BECAUSE THERE ARE PLENTY OF PEOPLE THAT HAVE TO LEAVE HOME FOR WORK & ARE THEY SUBJECT TO ATTTACK? & I SURE HOPE NONE OF YOU FOOLISH COMMENTERS ARE ON THE JURY!.... LETS NOT BLAME THE PARENTS, WE ALL KNOW THAT KIDS MAKE THEIR DECISIONS!

Friday, Aug 22 at 8:28 PM Anonymous wrote ...

The family can get angry about all the comments if they want to, but it still stands that this 19 year old injured an innocent man intentionally. If it would have happened to me, I would have probably died since I have an inoperable aneurisym in my head. That would have left my chronically ill child without a parent to take care of him. I have to live in fear of young adults like this? I think not! I'll start carrying a gun if I have to.

Friday, Aug 22 at 3:22 PM Sigh wrote ...

What happened to innocent until proven guilty? Maybe the media shouldn't post pictures and names until people are actually found guilty of a crime.

Friday, Aug 22 at 1:46 PM Anonymous wrote ...

PEOPLE WHY DO YOU COMMENT ON ANY OF THESE STORIES. ESPECIALLY THE VIOLENT COMMENTS YOU MUST NEED HELP YOURSELF. NOTHING ELSE BETTER TO DO. GO CLEAN YOUR YARD OR HAELP A NEIGHBOR.

Friday, Aug 22 at 12:00 PM Eric wrote ...

Seems like they always get the people that arent able to protect themselves. God or no God - had I been in this situation that kid wouldnt be standing there looking stupid in front of a camera. He would be on a table having an autopsy at the county morgue.

Friday, Aug 22 at 8:30 AM Aunt Jackie wrote ...

Fairytale wrong God was looking over the victim he isn't dead praise God just last week 2 young men killed and buried a innocent man in his own back yard this man is still living and no major injuries God was with him God was with Micheal also because he isn't dead which could have happened as well I have said this continuiously we do love Micheal and he has always been surrounded by love and disipline but he is 19 and making bad choices not his mother /grandmother/aunt stop judging us

Friday, Aug 22 at 8:25 AM Linda wrote ...

I am sure the family of the victim is hurting also. Why is that not mentioned? He was walking to his job minding his own business when this BRUTAL attack happened. What did the victim do wrong? NOTHING, thats what. Lets offer compassion and sympathy to him and him only.

Friday, Aug 22 at 8:11 AM Common sense wrote ...

Just remember Josuha Love who was in the news not long ago! He went from stealing and punkiness, to murder in 1 year. Murder folks this kid is just one bad choice from the same outcome! So family, stand by him all you want but if you can't see that choices define who we are then you to are lost and searching for mysteries without any clues. Admit that this kid did wrong and IS heading down the wrong path for a productive life.

Friday, Aug 22 at 8:10 AM Aunt Jackie wrote ...

YOU know more then we do he does not get a SSI anything ! and Mr/Ms if you have worked with him then you know damn well his family didn't have anything to do with this mess I work everyday and have never so much as received a foodstamp don't get it twisted okay and all of my sisters work and we don't have a problem with working Micheal made a bad choice not his family and we still love him just like you love the perfect people in your families my family deeply regret his part in this

Friday, Aug 22 at 8:04 AM Common sense wrote ...

I find it very funny that the "family" is now standing beside this punk, the fact is that people do not fall in one day, it's a slow fade. This punk has been slowly going the wrong way for some time, and now he is an angel? Wake up family members you and your family just became a statistic! All because HE has chosen to become a punk! Oh I am sorry a "loving" punk! good luck to the family all the same.

Friday, Aug 22 at 7:55 AM jackie wrote ...

Big C you are very small minded as well as but I promise not to say something so childish as shoot you in the head what I will say is this my nephew was wrong for whatever part he played in this whatever the consequence is he has to deal with it and we as his family will continue to love him and guide him in the right direction he will be held accountable believe that but trust it's not a good ideal to talk violence I'm sure you have a brother father son male lover maybe ? no violence please

Friday, Aug 22 at 7:42 AM GodIsAFairyTale wrote ...

10:50 AM Pastor Mell Powers---- I'm sorry to tell you that this story is proof that god cannot help. -- This boy needs love of family and attention from professionals. ---God was not present in this act. -- God was not there to protect the victim or the offender. —If god didn’t care then why would he care now?

Friday, Aug 22 at 6:55 AM Linda wrote ...

Thank you Mel for your comments. When someone commits a crime so many people want to stand up and say what a wonderful person he was. He beat and robbed a man and left him for dead for all he knew but he didn't care at all so again, my first comments are exactly what I meant. If you don't punish someone for their ILLEGAL actions and punish them harshly they go right out and do it again and I don't have a perfect family but we do not rob and beat people. We WORK for our money. Maybe he should to.

Friday, Aug 22 at 12:37 AM His Family Member wrote ...

You know nothing of his family as to say they take up for him. Second I will not leave my love one no matter what and because he have a family that stick by his side you say that is sticking up. Do you know he knew these friends do you always know what your children are doing or your friends you and no one else always know what the other is doing. Where did you see the family say one time he did or didn't do anything.He is still a child with lot of Love.

Friday, Aug 22 at 12:08 AM Big C wrote ...

I hope he learns from his crime. But if he don't and does this to someone else and starts beating on someone and robbing them and somthing bad does happen to him don't expect me to feel bad about it. I feel bad for the person that was trying to get to their job and couldnt make it there because some jerk decided they were going to play "GOD JUDGE AND JURY" and punish them with a beating and take their belongings. Who would do that?? Oh yeah a scumbag!

Friday, Aug 22 at 12:05 AM Confused wrote ...

I think i saw where he had his own money. if he draws SSI he has all our money who works and pays taxes. and if he did rob the guy he needs to work hard to pay his hospital bills and pain ans suffering. do the crime do the time. he`s not that slow or he could not have beat some one up. he is 19, thats old enough to know better. every one has pure pressure. you just got to say no. My prayers to every one involved.

Thursday, Aug 21 at 10:17 PM Mel wrote ...

I can see how this kid got into trouble. His family takes up for him when they know what he did was wrong. Does it matter that he had help? He is still old enough to know right from wrong, and he chose to do the wrong thing. He knows his friends were wrong and he was with them. He should be punished and made to apologize to his victim. I always told my kids that if they got into trouble, they will have to take the punishment. They behaved themselves too, because they believed me.

Thursday, Aug 21 at 9:55 PM Tiffany wrote ...

He knew God would help him, and he was not afraid. Genesis 12 GOD never stopped loving him. 2 Samuel 11-12 SOME NEED REFRESHERS EVERY NOW AND AGAIN.

Thursday, Aug 21 at 9:07 PM Elkhart Man wrote ...

Shame on you South Bend Man.

Thursday, Aug 21 at 9:02 PM friend of the family wrote ...

Big c: so someday when it's your son,nephew,brother it's ok to say he should be shot in the head?? if it was your child would you call him a scumbag? what happened was wrong, but from where i sit your neigther judge nor jury and sure ain't God buddy, so before you sit at your pc and say someones child should be shot in the head why don't you think how that would feel if it was your kid even if they did do something wrong.

Thursday, Aug 21 at 9:00 PM M wrote ...

Pastor: On Judgment Day those who would make Heaven, Hell, will be separated from the rest, forever. We don't delight in their condemnation, but if just one of them were allowed in, it would turn Paradise into Hell. I can see Paradise here on Earth, but some people are ruining it. Some people make the whole world ugly. One day we will finally be free of them and their ugliness and misery. On that day, they will scowl with horrible anger and gnash their teeth and curse us, just as they do now.

Thursday, Aug 21 at 8:35 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Why are the forums for these kinds of stories always filled by posters who write, and reason, like 5 year olds?

Thursday, Aug 21 at 8:17 PM citizen wrote ...

The fact is this young man thought it was OK to rob a man of his personal possession. Does he deserve to be punished? He sure does. Does his family play a part? Probably. I work with offenders and know the odds are high family members also have criminal backgrounds. Is it worth bad mouthing the family? Nope. Hopefully while he's serving his time, someone will teach him the difference between right and wrong. And also teach him how to fill out job applications so he'll try to get a job.

Thursday, Aug 21 at 8:02 PM Jackie wrote ...

Linda let me assure you he is not going to be on main street and no other street apoligizing to the public okay ! He owes his family and foremost the man who was victimized the apolige.He was spanked ,praised sent to church put on restriction and it's just like I said peer pressure it causes all kind of hell in a young persons life tell me why don't you make a comment about our young people in Iraq dying for another country tell me who needs to stand on main street and apoligize to the people U?

Thursday, Aug 21 at 7:42 PM Mother wrote ...

My child is not a thug nor is he a punk. You never know what may happen to you

Thursday, Aug 21 at 7:28 PM Gran wrote ...

Linda did you have this happen to you? You seem to be familar with what need to happen. Please don't down Elkhart Dept. for they like South Bend do their job. I wonder if you would have the same feeling if it was one of your loved ones. I think not if so you are heartless and know nothing of God.

Thursday, Aug 21 at 7:25 PM Jackie wrote ...

Marg and Linda I'm willing to bet your family is perfect.Wrong do us all a favor and don't vote because whoever you vote for I'm sure is in no hurry for kids playing grown-up I would wonder if you were in your right mind when you vote.It's about change this time around not ignorance or violence .you both are aware of our messed up world and alot of it is because of people making stupid decisions and stupid comments just like you two along with my nephew see you all have something in common.

Thursday, Aug 21 at 7:25 PM Big C wrote ...

To the Aunts and friend of family. I dont care about his parents or his upbringing or any other sorry reason people come up with. He made his choice and did what he did. He is a scumbag and i dont care what you think of that. Jail is where he needs to be. Hopfully next time he pulls this he will try it on someone who will really put him in his place and shoot him in the head. Or he could learn a valuable lesson from this and never do it again but that probably wont happen.

Thursday, Aug 21 at 7:20 PM Grandmother wrote ...

Yes he was wrong if he had any part in this act and I will be the first to say this but don't degrade my child and not know anything about him. This is what I call juding the book by the cover. First open the book and than you can speak about it. Let's not forget those that live in glass houses should not throw stones. How many of you live in a glass house? As for SBPD yes they may protect the working so call high class citizens but how often are they called upon the carpet for the same crime.

Thursday, Aug 21 at 7:07 PM terri taylor aunt wrote ...

linda do you know us, do you know any thing about his up bring don't judge a book by it's cover unless you have read it you get my drift

Thursday, Aug 21 at 7:01 PM terri taylor his aunt wrote ...

not only do young peope make mistakes grown folks do to i have made them and so have you, hey i have a 24yr old in jail right now ,why because he didn't listen to me and my husband ,and yes we have very high values that was instilled in us by our parent's if anyone know's who we are theyy can tell you that my father didn't go for that mess and he helped eveyone he could in this community so don't judge my nephew pray for him yes what ever happend was wrong and i don't like it one bit.

Thursday, Aug 21 at 7:01 PM Michael's Grandmother wrote ...

If you were Gods Child you would speak as God would have one of his to speak of our people. He is by know means slow nor did he need to beat or rob anyone for anything because he has his own money. Eveyone has a comment on what happen how many of you were there to know what really happen? I wasn't so how can you pass judgement on him as we all know the police have been wrong and you can't belive all you read in the paper. It is rude to cast an eye on his family and not know us.

Thursday, Aug 21 at 6:55 PM citizen wrote ...

Okay let's not puy the SBPD in this and make them out to be thugs okay they have to follow the law just like everyone else and guess what sometimes they don't !!! I doubt they would have played thug ville I don't recall one time anyone or any paper saying Micheal had a weapon you fool !!! the person that Iam betting you're trying to compare Micheal to the man who robbed the bank !!!! he had a weapon.Maybe you should go to Iraq your comment is just as unnessary as that war.I will be praying for u

Thursday, Aug 21 at 6:44 PM the other aunt wrote ...

my sister hit it right on the nail we all have skeletons in are closet's but people are not going to share them and like my sister just said if he would have listen to my other sister he wouldn't be in jail today he comes from a good loving home he's not dumb by a long shot ,so when you phrase your rude words be careful god don't like ugly

Thursday, Aug 21 at 6:42 PM friend of the family wrote ...

all of you people are being extremely rude. was the victim wronged? yes. was this act stupid? yes. but he was not alone and he is the only one taking blame. and to bring his family into it suggesting he has an improper upbringing and allowed to do drugs and drink are just wrong and idiotic! if you don't know this family and their values then you have no place at all to slander them. all young people make mistakes, some are worse than others. instead of judging take a closer look at your own!!!

Thursday, Aug 21 at 6:36 PM terri taylor wrote ...

and why do these punks need to be shot dead so if you do something wrong would you want us to shoot you dead and to the child that said you have met him before and he is mentally and slow oh do you have your phd instead of you hipucrits downing this young man we should be looking in our own back door because ain't nobody here perfec and these so called rev in this room instead of agreeing with them you should be telling them to pray for him

Thursday, Aug 21 at 6:09 PM Aunt wrote ...

First off he's not slow !his problem is simple and yes stupid ! following his peers ,no he was not by himself but all the blame has been shifted to him because he does look like he is 12 and instead of listening to his grandmother he listens to his friends it's called peer pressure the whole world is subjected to this it's in the newspaper everyday and most of you who's writing your rude and crule comments have a young person in your family going through the same thing I know him he's my nephew

Thursday, Aug 21 at 4:29 PM Thug wrote ...

Ughh, well, you see I had a hard childhood and such so I have to go out and rob people.

Thursday, Aug 21 at 3:51 PM Jeff wrote ...

These punks need to be shot dead and I wonder who would care!

Thursday, Aug 21 at 3:18 PM Bobbie wrote ...

Just send him to Iraq.

Thursday, Aug 21 at 3:08 PM Wimpy wrote ...

Looks like he is saying "Dah, what just happen". It's ashame he will not go to prison. Where is his partner?

Thursday, Aug 21 at 3:02 PM Ummm, Angel wrote ...

This happened in Elkhart. SBPD couldn't have responded. He was from South Bend.

Thursday, Aug 21 at 2:50 PM To Rev. Powers wrote ...

Please go out and talk to your flock - go to their homes or wherever they hang out. Don't wait for them to come to you to be saved. Like it was commented: be proactive not reactive. Then come back and ask for our prayers - not.

Thursday, Aug 21 at 2:47 PM DD wrote ...

Once again, build inexpensive prison camps and throw these thugs in.

Thursday, Aug 21 at 2:40 PM Angel wrote ...

Roman, you are absolutely right! The gentleman who was walking to work is the one who needs prayers. These unemployed, lazy, no good citizens need a wake up call. To go and brutally beat someone is a crime! Pastor Mell you need to pray for forgiveness for your lack of care for the injured. These thugs know the consequences for their actions. Too bad the brave SBPD couldn't be there. They are not afraid to protect their law abiding & working citizens.

Thursday, Aug 21 at 2:18 PM God's Child wrote ...

I've met this young male before, his problem is not having strong parental parents in his life, I believe he is slow mentally and he is allowed to drink and drug. Were sinking fast, pray folks and start paying attention to your children and their ways.... If you drink and drug there's a good chance your children will to.

Thursday, Aug 21 at 1:49 PM manasa wrote ...

religious fanatic

Thursday, Aug 21 at 1:45 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Silly rabbit, he and his kind are anything BUT men. Maybe spineless lazy cowards.

Thursday, Aug 21 at 1:40 PM Marj wrote ...

Linda, When are you running for Mayor or even president? You got my Vote! wtg!!!!!

Thursday, Aug 21 at 1:06 PM prayerful wrote ...

It's never to late to recieve God's forgiveness. Not for this young man, nor for me, nor for you. There is a powerful ministry taking place in our jails and I pray this man will recieve Jesus as his saviour will there. I also pray the same for all you spiteful people

Thursday, Aug 21 at 12:55 PM bob wrote ...

linda i think your idea should be followed to a t.

Thursday, Aug 21 at 12:30 PM Silly Rabbit wrote ...

At least the article correctly refers to this fool as a "man". Because most times that age is referred to as "teens" and it drives me crazy. I think you are definitely a youngster at 19, but if you engage in bigboy behavior, you get bigboy consequences.

Thursday, Aug 21 at 12:22 PM Linda wrote ...

Prayer??????? He needs a swift kick in the seat of his pants. Perhaps if he had a better upbringing he would be a productive member of society instead of a menace. I feel NO pity for this fool. He beat a man and stole from him. No prayers. Jail, restitution and commmunity service for starters then maybe he will have learned a lesson. He also owes this man a PUBLIC apology on Main Street with the media taking pictures so all can see what a pathetic fool he is!

Thursday, Aug 21 at 12:00 PM Math wrote ...

"they just simply dont care about their fellow man." I'd wager a guess that drug money was needed.

Thursday, Aug 21 at 11:48 AM John Milton wrote ...

Darn Rev., we are just a little too late......if we would have/ could have prayed for this wayward rascal, he would have never committed this senseless mugging. PS He doesn't look too innocent and cute to me.

Thursday, Aug 21 at 11:23 AM Roman wrote ...

pastor; what about the poor soul that got beat up for no reason?I don't hear you praying for him.What about do un to others as they do un to you? He is the example of improper up bringing.Lucifer will lead him home in the end.

Thursday, Aug 21 at 11:22 AM MM wrote ...

droopy eye looks high. I wonder if he's been a visitor to jail before. This won't be his last.if you walk in a rough area you need pepper spray or gun or knife or bat with rusty nails or a big strong dog.

Thursday, Aug 21 at 11:17 AM R. wrote ...

HE looks like a 12 year old.

Thursday, Aug 21 at 11:02 AM Re: Pastor Powers wrote ...

Sure he need prayer, but prayer should have came prior to the crime, i.e. we need to be proactive, not reactive. But he need to pay for that crime he did too! They all look innocent and cute when they are caught.

Thursday, Aug 21 at 10:55 AM Ed, Sout Bend wrote ...

He needs more than prayers Rev. He needs to be put in the Army and sent over to IRAQ. He can shoot and fight all he want's there. Maybe he will groww up there.

Thursday, Aug 21 at 10:53 AM Anonymous wrote ...

maybe we should just send all these young punks over to the pastor, he appears to be able to turn everyone one of them into upstanding citzens. Sorry pastor but you can pray all you want it aint gonna work with those who commit crimes in this day and age, they just simply dont care about their fellow man.

Thursday, Aug 21 at 9:50 AM Pastor Mell Powers wrote ...

He really needs a lot of prayer. Look at him, he is a child of God that was raised not in the Word of God but in other peoples principles. So, let us go to jail and start praying for all of them that their souls may be saved and Jesus may have mercy on them just like the last minute repentant thief at the cross. Remember me when you are in your kingdom. If you pray for others someonelse will pray for you at your last hour before you meet your maker. Are you gona live here forever? Who will?

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