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.

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.

At approximately 11:00 a.m., an individual was observed outside of JQH Arena, 685 S John Q Hammons Parkway, disrobing and discharging a flare gun. SPD and Campus Safety responded to the area and contacted the individual. The individual refused to answer questions and provided irrational responses about what he was doing on campus.  The individual was identified, arrested by SPD for outstanding warrants, and taken to jail.

Reminders:

• Be aware of your surroundings and alert to suspicious activity.
• Immediately report suspicious activity to the Springfield Police Department at 9-1-1.

At approximately 7:30 a.m., an individual entered a MSU employee’s vehicle in Lot 8, 960 E Harrison Ave, and demanded a ride. The employee told the individual that they would not provide a ride and that the individual should exit the vehicle. The individual complied with the request and exited the vehicle. The incident was reported to Campus Safety and the Springfield Police Department. The individual was identified and banned from campus.

Reminders:

• Always lock your vehicle.
• Be aware of your surroundings and alert to suspicious activity.
• Immediately report suspicious activity to the Springfield Police Department at 9-1-1.