State Roundup

Detroit: Ambulance stolen while paramedics were inside home
DETROIT (AP) — Authorities say an ambulance was stolen in Detroit while paramedics were inside a home responding to a call for help.

Detroit police spokeswoman Eren Stephens said that a 50-year-old man hopped into the ambulance about 6:45 a.m. Wednesday and sped away.

Police reportedly chased the ambulance and arrested the man after the ambulance crashed into a yard.

No injuries were reported.

Grand Rapids: Popular ArtPrize exhibition, contest
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP) — The ArtPrize exhibition and competition in Grand Rapids is opening its 19-day run.

The southwestern Michigan city’s vibrant arts scene is getting an infusion of energy from 1,713 artists displaying their works at 192 venues, from plazas, hotels and museums, to restaurants, coffee shops and parks.

The event opens Wednesday and runs through Oct. 10. Finalists are announced Sept. 30 and the winner is announced Oct. 7.

Artists from 21 countries and 44 states are taking part in the competition, which offers $449,000 in prizes decided by the public, including a top award of $250,000.

Detroit: Ex-mayor’s ally faces federal trial in November

DETROIT (AP) — A federal judge has set a Nov. 9 trial date for a Detroit businessman and ally of convicted ex-Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick on fraud charges involving millions of dollars of municipal contracts.

Charges against 41-year-old Bobby Ferguson include conspiracy to commit fraud and launder money.

U.S. District Judge David Lawson gave lawyers until Oct. 26 to reach a plea deal. Ferguson remains free on bond.

Prosecutors say Ferguson’s demolition company got $11.7 million in contracts through illicit means.

Mount Clemens: Jury hears openings in 2009 abduction, slaying
MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. (AP) — A Macomb County jury has heard opening statements and witnesses in the trial of an 18-year-old accused of carrying out a crime spree that included the gunpoint abduction and killing of a man.

Ihab Maslamani and 17-year-old Robert Taylor are charged in the August 2009 abduction and slaying of 21-year-old Matt Landry of Chesterfield Township. Taylor’s trial is upcoming.

Defense lawyer Joseph Kosmala says Maslamani did rob a bank and steal a car but denies his client killed Landry.

Authorities say Landry was kidnapped at gunpoint in Eastpointe and held four days in a vacant Detroit house before being shot in the head.