Granger man held at gunpoint, forced to empty bank account

By DAVE STEPHENS, Tribune Staff Writer

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By Beth Boehne

Story Created: Oct 15, 2008 at 10:19 AM EST

Story Updated: Oct 15, 2008 at 10:19 AM EST

SOUTH BEND - An Ivy Tech student told police he was robbed Tuesday night, forced at gunpoint to withdraw money from his bank account.

According to police reports, the 18-year-old Granger man was on his way home from class about 8 p.m. when an unknown man opened the passenger door and jumped into the car.

The victim told police he wasn’t familiar with the city and didn’t know where the man entered his car, but he thought he was at a stoplight on Sample Street.

The intruder displayed a handgun and demanded the man’s wallet. After spotting an ATM card, he told the man to go to a nearby bank and to withdraw money from an ATM machine.

The victim said he was forced to drive to a second bank and also withdraw money.

The intruder then left the car and climbed into a dark four-door vehicle that had been following his car. The vehicle then left the area.

The Granger man told police he then attempted to call 911, but the battery on his cell phone was dead. He said he didn’t go to the police station because he didn’t know where it was.

The man returned to his home in Granger before going to the South Bend police station and reporting the crime about 10 p.m.

Sunday, Oct 19 at 3:52 AM lol wrote ...

Perfect example of why you should be allowed to carry concealed weapons on campus. If would-be assailants thought someone may have a gun to fight back, they prolly wouldn't try it, and if they did, they would only get $20 out of the person, in ammunition that is.

Friday, Oct 17 at 6:45 AM bee wrote ...

hey miss new,i agree with you there.crime doesnt have anything to do with the color of your skin.crime is commited by the person who chooses to do it.they dont wake up one day and say hey im this color i think ill go out and rob someone today.when we got robbed it was our "FRIENDS" that did it.we have shortened our friend list quite alot and it had nothing to do with skin color.

Thursday, Oct 16 at 10:44 PM Grit wrote ...

Someone jumped into the car and used force to extract money? Not hard to believe. This kind of thing, unfortunately has been happening for ages, which is why I'm almost a pest about making my family lock their doors while they drive. Even in the daytime, when I'm NOT in South Gary...er....Bend.

Thursday, Oct 16 at 10:08 PM miss new wrote ...

I'm so tired of everyone pointing their fingers at the poor, and the crime in the inner city. Crime is not pertaining to race. It is everywhere, so it should'nt be suprising for the inner city, it is when it is in the rural areas where the people are well off, and you hear one of their children went into a college and killed several people for what unknown reason, probably because their parents were online trying to insult some other race of people they were to busy to be concerned with theirs

Thursday, Oct 16 at 9:25 PM Cornfusion wrote ...

WSBT, Thank you for attaching the two part-er together. You didn't have to print either but you did and I appreciate it. Cornfusion

Thursday, Oct 16 at 7:04 PM Cornfusion wrote ...

Ed, I was talking to Ed from Granger. I guess my dog ate Part 1. Sorry

Thursday, Oct 16 at 6:52 PM J wrote ...

I like the idea of Notre Dame putting the shelter at their place...if it is such a great thing to do, then why don't they want it there? Great Point!

Thursday, Oct 16 at 6:31 PM Cornfusion Part 2 wrote ...

difference between them and you is that their poverty can be alleviated with material resources. Between you and them, they're the rich ones. I promise you more people will come to their aid, without even knowing them, than would come to assist you. You know what? You are the perfect example of what Christ meant when he said," There will be poor always." He was talking about you. The poor folks with hollow souls. Too bad you're not smart enough to know that you're the one that needs their help!

Thursday, Oct 16 at 6:22 PM Part 1 wrote ...

Ed, you're pissing me off! (hey WSBT, we still using that term?) Stay in Granger and you'll be just fine because if these worthless excuses for human beings are too lazy to get jobs and work they sure as hell ain't gonna get motivated enough to walk to your house! They may not have spotless records but your biggest problem with them is the very sight of them. What's the matter? You could just look away but it's what they make you see about yourself that you can't get out of your mind. The big

Thursday, Oct 16 at 3:20 PM ann.hamilton25@att.net wrote ...

tAHT JUST DOESN'T JIVE OR ADD UP. iF HE GOES TO ivy tECH THEN HE SHOULD KNOW WHERE THE police station is,wOULDN'T YOU think. sOME PEOPLE WILL TELL THE LAW ANYTHING AND GUESS WHAT? tHAT'S WHAT MAKES THE NEWS BE IT THE TRUTH OR A LIE.

Thursday, Oct 16 at 12:16 PM Cornfusion wrote ...

Hey somebody step up and tell 9:24 AM what he's won for contributing the answer to all questions! That's right! The boys 18 and therefore old enough to get a permit to carry! Had the robber seen THAT in the kids wallet instead of the ATM card he surely would have said to himself, "Self, I would rather not deal with someone licensed to carry a gun", even though he looks a little young to be an off duty policeman. (Oh I'm kidding, lighten up) He would have asked to be dropped at the next corner!

Thursday, Oct 16 at 11:53 AM Ed, Granger,IN wrote ...

Get rid of the Homeless Shelters and alot of this problem will go with it. But NO Mayor Luckeloser welcomes any Free give away homeless shelter so these people can wander downtown and pan handle, rob, and harass anyone downtown on business or pleasure. By the way Homeless shelters are Not for profit so we collect NO property tax on those properties. Wake UP Mr. Mayor, you have lost control of the streets of So. Bend.

Thursday, Oct 16 at 11:11 AM Lainey wrote ...

Uh huh - someone just blew his cash at the latest Kegger and needed mommy and daddy to hand over some more.

Thursday, Oct 16 at 10:20 AM KQ wrote ...

Really people. Just as much crap happens on the east side fo town as the west side as the north side and as the south side. Just you and everyone else make a big deal about the west side. I grew up on the west side and it is still my hood. And I wouldn't be anywhere else. All you pansies can stay in granger. And ya know what, I am white. West Side!!!

Thursday, Oct 16 at 9:37 AM Marcus Malone wrote ...

This happens all the time at ATMs all over the place. The other night my girlfriend was robbed at gun point when she withdrew 500 dollars and it seems that people are in cars wathching the customers of ATMs get the money and then go straight to them and tell Give me all the money or you are dead. So, she was so scared, she dropped all her purse with credit cards and school keys and everything else she had in there includes her make up and cosmetics. She run fast to me and told me she was mugged.

Thursday, Oct 16 at 9:07 AM SB is ghetto wrote ...

South Bend is so ghetto, I'm surprised that anyone with morals still lives there.

Thursday, Oct 16 at 8:36 AM Lindy wrote ...

Actually this happened a few years ago to a friend of mine who was forced to drive to an ATM and give the low life money. It does happen! Keep your doors locked folks!

Thursday, Oct 16 at 8:24 AM Anonymous wrote ...

he's 18? that's old enough to get a license to carry in indiana, unless he was a juvenile delinquent, in which case he'd have to wait until he's 23. he can't buy a gun until he's 21, but if someone gives him a gun, he can carry it if it's lawfully possessed. might be something he should look into - then this wouldn't happen to him again.

Thursday, Oct 16 at 7:36 AM Question for you wrote ...

Donna, he was not at an ATM when the guy jumped in his car. He says he was at a stoplight. This may have very well happened the way this kid claims but I'm not buyin' it.

Thursday, Oct 16 at 6:47 AM past westsider wrote ...

I grew up on that side of town so I am familar with the streets and those that are not safe. There is no way I would live there today. People in surrounding areas that have never lived there would not know the names of the streets or the history of violence that exits there. Just like I didn't grow up in Elkhart, I am not fimilar with their streets or where I should be more careful. People know the area they are raised in.

Thursday, Oct 16 at 6:43 AM bee wrote ...

thanks cornfusion.i guess im getting the hang of it.if people take notice then your getting the point across.

Thursday, Oct 16 at 6:06 AM JQ wrote ...

Why look at that, another good reason to carry your own heat. I do. You act like yer getting your wallet and . . . BAM the crook is dead!

Thursday, Oct 16 at 5:28 AM FireWalker wrote ...

an 18 male can not tell you one solid thing about being driving around town? Come on, there is more to the story. ATM's have cameras...let see the picture..maybe you can see the robber

Wednesday, Oct 15 at 11:57 PM Makaleka wrote ...

I have lived in Granger for 6 1/2 years and when I HAVE to go to downtown S.B. I use a map, GPS, or ask a friend to drive who is familiar and has lived here longer. The violence in this town is crazy for its size.

Wednesday, Oct 15 at 10:38 PM Cornfusion wrote ...

8:46 PM and that ain't even taking into account the crime against humanity that we all share guilt with for needing such places in the first place. All men were created equal and you better believe that the day could come that you find yourself or someone you love standing out in front of that shelter and THAT's when you'll change your tune to want to know why more isn't being done to help these people and prevent the next generation of indigent, ignorant and homeless. They're here because of us

Wednesday, Oct 15 at 10:17 PM M. wrote ...

Poor Kid! A lot of people that live in another town have went to school in South Bend, but don't know much about S.B. They only know their way to school and back home again. Some 18 year olds aren't as worldly as others, and this probably scared the wits out of this kid. He more than likely just wanted to go home where it was safe until he calmed down. I'm an older adult and that would have scared me to death, and I am also guilty of forgetting to charge my phone.

Wednesday, Oct 15 at 7:46 PM Anonymous wrote ...

MR Notre Dame could take their Center for the Homeless out to Notre Dame and South Bend would be a safer place. At least two of their guest are responsible for two murders commited in South Bend. This site does not have enough space to list all the crimes commited by guest of the Center for the Homeless.

Wednesday, Oct 15 at 7:34 PM DONNA wrote ...

to question for you.. i drive a 2007 honda and if you put the car into park my doors unlock, when i go to the atm i always keep it in drive, but i also know that sometimes if you don't pull up close enough you have to put it park to reach the machine. besides that what difference does it make, the boy was still robbed at gunpoint.

Wednesday, Oct 15 at 7:31 PM Frank wrote ...

Description of the suspect? Race? Clothing? Other features? Not including this in the story is doing a disservice to the public--particularly if every other logistical detail of the crime was reported.

Wednesday, Oct 15 at 6:08 PM Question for you wrote ...

What kind of car was this kid driving that the doors didn't lock automatically when it's put in drive? I can't imagine a Granger kid was driving a car that was old enough to be made without this feature! He had to have hit unlock... Just saying that because that would mean he let the guy in his car, the guy didn't just "jump in". Backs up the "goin' to the hood to buy weed" theory.

Wednesday, Oct 15 at 5:44 PM D wrote ...

HAY,who said it was'nt Obama?we all know he will do any thing to get indiana.lie,cheat,steal what next?

Wednesday, Oct 15 at 5:31 PM MR South Bend wrote ...

Lets not forget that it's South Bend we're talking about here! Any part of South Bend is not safe. If not for Notre Dame, South Bend would wither and crumble away to nothingness and crime....

Wednesday, Oct 15 at 5:16 PM Herbert wrote ...

How about before you pass judgment on this victim, you take a moment to realize that your ignorant opinion really doesn't mean anything? That would be more helpful to the rest of us, if you would just keep your thoughts to yourself.

Wednesday, Oct 15 at 4:46 PM Tim wrote ...

Niceeee!!! That's why I check my rearview... for popo's and bandits!!! I don't want to meet any of them.

Wednesday, Oct 15 at 3:50 PM a mom wrote ...

Before passing judgement on this victim, try to realize that some 18 year olds are simply innocent young kids that may not have been exposed to the great S. Bend areas. It is too bad that we must teach our children the hardest form of survival when they are young. I am almost 50 and I know that at 18, life was so...much safer here in S.Bend. Thanks to our greatly run city those days are gone. Thanks Luecke.

Wednesday, Oct 15 at 3:17 PM Nicholas wrote ...

Yes this story is very true, he is my brother. He doesn't know his way around South Bend since he just recently got his license a year ago if that. He only goes to south bend to go to school and apparently that is to unsafe. Serious what the hell is going on in South Bend. Its obvious the police aren't in charge, just look at the murder rate.

Wednesday, Oct 15 at 3:12 PM No to Bob ... wrote ...

Hey Bob , he probably had to give the money to the McPhalin campaign because you repukelicans are too broke now that your stock portfolios are down the tubes.

Wednesday, Oct 15 at 1:57 PM MM wrote ...

poor boy i would have went home too. hope the robber is caught and gets his genitals tasered. if this stroy is false that kid needs to be put on all my children- man can he spin a yarn.

Wednesday, Oct 15 at 1:07 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Buy a handgun..

Wednesday, Oct 15 at 1:06 PM dave wrote ...

I don't buy it. I think this Granger kid came into "da bend" to buy some weed and got rolled! But I could be wrong. If so, this kid needs to start acting like an adult and learn where you are and plug his phone in. I guess he doesn't have a charger chord in the car like the other millions of cell users. me thinks sumptin' tinks...

Wednesday, Oct 15 at 12:39 PM kf wrote ...

This is about as hokey as they get. Why didn't he go back to Ivy Tech and get a security guard????Has anyone viewed the video at the ATM to see if this "robber' was with him???

Wednesday, Oct 15 at 12:03 PM Myrt wrote ...

And most people thought Lisa's story about the naked man in the park was unbelievable!!!!!!

Wednesday, Oct 15 at 11:58 AM tob wrote ...

It's sad but this day and age you need to try to make a conscious effort to not be a victim. Lock every lock you have, keep track of your belongings, be aware of what is going on around you. If you can afford it and are proficient with a defense weapon...buy one.

Wednesday, Oct 15 at 11:42 AM SB wrote ...

Yeah, okay...why didn't he stop at a business and call the police on his way home to Granger?

Wednesday, Oct 15 at 11:40 AM Cornfusion wrote ...

Well it's finally come to South Bend, Walk up, Get in, Drive around and get Dropped Off Banking. The next BIG thing! This will beat simple drive thru banking all to hell. 24 hrs, 7 days a week, NO FEES! And if the thief is lucky he might see a SUBWAY card in the wallet and have the guy drive him over to get a foot long while they're out! One question, had the lad been involved in an accident, (oops, I mean CRASH!)would he be covered by the insurance company? Would THAT be Allstate's stand?

Wednesday, Oct 15 at 11:10 AM Anonymous wrote ...

This is a weird story. Seems to me like there is something up with this. He doesn't know where he was, but he goes to school down there. He didn't know where the police station was nor was his cell phone charged. Did he every stop to think to stop at a local business and ask for help?

Wednesday, Oct 15 at 11:09 AM Cornfusion wrote ...

bee I'm sure you made someones day at WSBT and you are a wonderful person with integrity and social grace to openly apologize on line. THEY could take a lesson from YOU! And if you don't see this or a lot of my stuff in general for a while I guess we'll know why!

Wednesday, Oct 15 at 11:04 AM Anonymous wrote ...

So he drove all the way home LOL gimme a break

Wednesday, Oct 15 at 10:42 AM HMMMMMM..... wrote ...

I wonder if his parents REALLY believed this story......I don't.

Wednesday, Oct 15 at 10:37 AM bee wrote ...

WSBT i apologise to u.thank you for posting it.i was on the wrong article.theres so much robbing going on now i hit the wrong one.again i apologize.

Wednesday, Oct 15 at 10:34 AM bee wrote ...

you know WSBT,it wasnt very nice of you not to post my sons comment.i thought it was very appropriate to this article.he didnt say anything wrong and i commented right along with it.he was glad noone got hurt and stated people need to GET A JOB!i said he and his brother spent a day of theyre fall break working with dad for theyre money.I AM VERY PROUD OF THEM!he was proud of his statement.im trying to teach them whats going on in the world today and to be GOOD men.think about it.good vs.bad.

Wednesday, Oct 15 at 10:33 AM Bob wrote ...

The dude probably wanted cash to donate to the Obama campaign, because he's the type that will benefit from an Obama win in November.

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