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.
What’s happening?
In the past week, we have received five reports of e-scooter thefts on campus. These thefts occurred at different bike racks and times, but they all have one thing in common: the scooters were left unlocked, secured with a weak lock, or improperly secured.
E-scooters are becoming more popular among students as a convenient and eco-friendly way to get around campus. However, they are also attractive targets for thieves who can easily sell them or use them for their own purposes.
How to prevent theft?
The best way to prevent your e-scooter from being stolen is to lock it properly whenever you park it. Here are some tips on how to do that:
- Use a U-lock, not a cable lock. Cable locks can be easily cut with bolt cutters or other tools. U-locks are much harder to break and deter most thieves.
- Lock your e-scooter to a sturdy bike rack, a fence, or a pole. Make sure the object cannot be lifted, cut, or removed.
- Lock your e-scooter or bike through the frame, not the wheel. If you lock the wheel only, a thief can remove the wheel and take the rest of the scooter or bike.
- Lock your e-scooter in a visible, well-lit area where there are people around. Avoid dark, isolated places where thieves can work undisturbed.
How to register your e-scooter?
Another way to protect your e-scooter is to register it with Campus Safety. This will help us identify and recover your scooter in case it is stolen or lost. Registration is free and easy; stop by the Transportation office located at 700 E. Elm to register.
To register your e-scooter, you will need the following information:
- The make, model, and color of your e-scooter
- The serial number of your e-scooter (usually found on the bottom or the side of the scooter)
- A photo of your e-scooter
- Your name, M#, email, and phone number
Once you register your e-scooter, you will receive a sticker with a unique code that you can attach to your scooter. This will help us verify that the scooter belongs to you and contact you if we find it.
What to do if your e-scooter is stolen?
If your e-scooter is stolen, you should report it to Campus Safety as soon as possible. You can call us at (417) 836-5509 or visit us at 700 E. Elm St. You will need to provide us with the following information:
- The date, time, and location of the theft
- A description of your e-scooter and its lock
- The registration code and sticker of your e-scooter (if you have registered it)
- Any other details or witnesses that may help us investigate the theft
We will file a report and try to locate and recover your e-scooter. We will also notify you if we have any updates or need more information from you.
Stay safe and ride smart.
We hope that this blog post has helped you understand the risks and precautions of e-scooter thefts on campus. We want you to enjoy your e-scooter and use it safely and responsibly. By following these tips, you can reduce the chances of losing your ride and help us keep our campus safe and secure.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us at any time. We are here to serve and protect you.
The Springfield Police Department is investigating an altercation in the 900 block of East Elm Street that occurred around midnight on March 8, 2024. The incident involved two groups of individuals where one individual used a weapon and fired shots in the air. The incident appeared to stem from an interaction between the individuals earlier in the day.
Safety Tips:
• Avoid engaging in conflict with unknown individuals.
• Request law enforcement rather than escalate disagreements.
• If a weapon is displayed, Run, Hide, or Fight, call 9-1-1 and Campus Safety at (417) 836-5509 immediately.
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.