Missouri State University Safety is informing the campus community about an incident that occurred on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at approximately 1:16 PM. A black BMW passenger car was observed at the intersection of Dollison and Normal, just south of campus, driving recklessly. A resident reported that one of the occupants of the vehicle discharged a single round from a handgun. Fortunately, no injuries or property damage have been reported in connection with this incident.

Following the discharge, the vehicle fled south away from campus and has not been seen in the area since. The Springfield Police Department is investigating the incident and does not believe there to be a danger to the campus community.

Campus Safety encourages anyone with information about this event to contact the Springfield Police Department at (417) 864-1810 or Missouri State University Safety at (417) 836-5509.

We remind the campus community to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity immediately. If you feel unsafe, please utilize campus safety resources, including the Bear Line shuttle, blue light emergency phones, and the Campus Safety Safe Walk program.

Your safety is our priority. Stay aware, stay safe, and look out for one another.

On the evening of January 23, 2025, University Safety responded to a report of suspicious behavior at Meyer Library. Thanks to the vigilance of library staff, the incident was handled quickly and safely, reinforcing the importance of our community working together to maintain a secure campus environment.

What Happened
University Safety received a call regarding a suspicious person who left a bag in the library and departed shortly after. Shortly afterward, the individual returned to the library, where University Safety officers and the Springfield Police Department contacted them. Due to the suspicious nature of the individual’s behavior, the Springfield Fire Department was also contacted to inspect the bag.

To ensure the safety of everyone in the library, students and staff in the immediate area around the bag were evacuated as a precaution. After a thorough investigation, the bag’s contents were found to be non-threatening.

The individual involved has been identified as a Missouri State student. While no charges are being filed at this time, the incident remains under investigation by University Safety and Student Conduct.

Why This Matters
This event underscores the importance of “if you see something, say something.” The quick-thinking staff at Meyer Library played a vital role in ensuring the safety of our campus by reporting suspicious behavior. Even though the situation turned out not to be a serious threat, taking proactive measures helped us act swiftly and appropriately.

Our Commitment to Safety
Missouri State University is dedicated to maintaining a safe environment for all students, staff, and visitors. We understand that incidents like this can feel unsettling, but please know that every report is taken seriously, and we will continue to work diligently to ensure our campus remains a safe place to learn and grow.

How You Can Help

• Report suspicious activity: If you see something that doesn’t feel right, contact University Safety immediately at [safety contact information].
• Stay informed: Follow us at Safety and Crime Alerts – for updates and resources.
• Know your resources: From campus safety escorts to emergency notifications, we’re here to help.

We want to extend our gratitude to everyone involved in responding to this incident, especially the staff at Meyer Library, for their quick actions. Your vigilance and cooperation keep our campus community safe and strong.

Let’s continue to look out for one another at Missouri State. Together, we can ensure that Missouri State remains a place where everyone feels safe and supported.

Stay safe!

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.

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/