On September 1, 2024, at approximately 12:10 A.M., an altercation occurred in Bear Park South parking garage, located on the southwest corner of campus. The incident appears to have begun when two non-students had a verbal interaction with individuals in a vehicle at the entrance to the parking garage. The two non-students proceeded to the top of the parking garage when several vehicles arrived, and a group of individuals began assaulting the two individuals. During the brief altercation, a firearm was used to hit one of the victims. The firearm appears to have then accidentally discharged, causing the group of individuals flee the scene. There was not any serious injuries or property damage. The Springfield Police Department is investigating the incident.
Early Sunday morning, August 25, 2024, a group of non-affiliated individuals stopped by the Sigma Pi fraternity. A disturbance broke out and a non-affiliated male brandished a handgun. A fistfight occured, but no shots were fired and no serious injuries were reported.
The group fled the scene before police arrived. Springfield Police later stopped the vehicle and one person involved in the fight was verbally banned from campus. The individual brandishing the handgun was not in the vehicle at that time. The Springfield Police Department has logged the case as an unlawful use of a weapon and simple assault.
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.
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.
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.