On July 18, 2024, at around 4:30 PM, a contract mowing company employee reported being confronted by an individual who attempted to rob him of the riding mower he was using. The incident occurred on the east side of Cheek Hall along National. The victim noticed a black male in his 40s, bald, medium height and build, wearing a black shirt, khaki pants, and a maroon bandana around his neck watching him from across the street for an extended period of time. The individual then approached victim and demanded the mower. When it was denied, he showed a knife and immediately run away from campus. Springfield Police and Campus Safety searched the area and viewed the video surveillance system but were unable to locate the suspect or find video of the individual or incident.
The incident serves as a good reminder to always remain aware of your surroundings and to report individuals exhibiting concerning behavior to Campus Safety at 417-836-5509.