Safety and Crime Alerts

Campus Safety Alert

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At approximately 12:40 a.m. on April 23, 2023, there was an off campus shooting between two groups of individuals in two different vehicles at the Kum and Go at 609 E. Elm Street, which is northwest of the main campus. Three individuals received what are believed to be non-life-threatening injuries and were treated at a local hospital. The Springfield Police Department continues to investigate but does not currently have any suspects in custody.

There is not an immediate danger to the campus community. None of those involved are believed to be part of the university community.

PREVENTION REMINDERS

  • Be aware of your surroundings, particularly late at night.
  • Avoid interacting with unknown individuals and groups.
  • Avoid off-campus areas with increased rates of serious crimes.
  • Utilize the Bear Line during its hours of operation.
  • Utilize the Campus Safety “Safe Walk” program rather than walking alone.

If you have information concerning this incident, you are encouraged to contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810 or 9-1-1 for immediate assistance. If you want to remain anonymous, you may report information to Crime Stoppers at 417-869-TIPS (8477) or www.P3tips.com.

Update: UTV/Golf Cart Thefts

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Photo of suspects in the UTV/golf cart thefts.

There have been additional incidents involving UTV/golf carts since the last post. A golf cart was taken near the Power House on February 17, 2023. It was returned after a brief period and a UTV was taken instead. A photo of the suspects is included.

On February 27, another golf cart was reported stolen from the area near the Forsyth Athletic Center. It was reported the golf cart was secured by a cable to prevent theft.

Reminders:

  • Whenever possible, keep indoors when not in use.
  • If outdoors park in a well-lit area with good video camera coverage. (UTV/Golf Carts may be stored at Bear Park North and secured from theft. Contact Campus Safety at 417-836-5509 for arrangements.)
  • Always lock doors and remove the ignition key.
  • Add a theft prevention device to prevent the use of a universal key or the ability to bypass the ignition key.

If you have information concerning this incident, you are encouraged to contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810 or 9-1-1 for immediate assistance. If you want to remain anonymous, you may report information to Crime Stoppers at 417-869-TIPS (8477) or www.P3tips.com.

Utility Vehicle/Golf Cart Thefts

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At approximately 05:00 a.m. on February 8, 2023, two white males entered the campus in a silver 4-door passenger car. The vehicle parked in the Blair-Shannon parking lot, and one of the occupants walked directly to the Utility Vehicle (UTV) parked next to the Telecommunications building. The suspect left with the UTV and the second subject in the silver car, leaving campus westbound on Bear Blvd.

A similar incident occurred on January 27, 2023, when a golf cart was stolen from Forsyth Athletics Center.

UTV/GOLF CART THEFT PREVENTION REMINDERS

  • When possible, keep indoors when not in use.
  • If outdoors park in a well-lit area with good video camera coverage.
  • Always lock doors and remove the ignition key.
  • Consider adding a theft prevention device to prevent the use of a universal key or the ability to bypass the ignition key.

If you have information concerning this incident, you are encouraged to contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810 or 9-1-1 for immediate assistance. If you want to remain anonymous, you may report information to Crime Stoppers at 417-869-TIPS (8477) or www.P3tips.com.

Update: Suspects in robbery arrested and charged

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On Nov. 11, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested two men who are suspects in the robbery that occurred near campus on Nov. 6. The suspects were arrested in Cooper County, Missouri on unrelated charges. The prosecutor’s office has filed 1st-degree robbery charges against Antonio Benford and Jordan Dickerson for the robbery committed in Springfield.

The Springfield Police Department highlight these arrests in the November 17, 2022 Trending Crime Update. https://cityview.springfieldmo.gov/trending-crime-update-november-17-2022/

 

 

Crime Alert – Burglary

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Around noon on November 9, 2022, a burglary occurred in an office in Temple Hall. An individual wearing tennis shoes, blue jeans and a two-tone blue hoodie (photo below) was observed coming out of an unoccupied office where the door was left open. Items belonging to the university were determined to be missing. The individual was observed getting on a white bicycle and riding away.

Temple Hall burglary suspect photo

This incident is being investigated by the Springfield Police Department.

Reminder:

  • Do not leave items of value unattended.
  • Lock spaces when not in use.
  • Keep keys with you at all times.
  • Report suspicious activity to University Safety at 417-836-5509