Safety Alerts

Timely Warning Policy

In the event that a situation arises, that, in the judgment of the Chief of Police, constitutes an ongoing or continuing threat to persons; a campus "timely warning" will be issued. The warning will be issued to students, faculty and staff through the "Campus Watch" e-mail publication and will be posted on the Police Department's web site. Such web site posting will be identified as a "Special Alert".

Determinations by the Chief of Police will be made on a case by case basis. Warnings may be delayed if sufficient information is not available or if the warning may compromise an ongoing law enforcement effort.

All Active Special Alerts are listed below.

Special Crime Alert: Physical Assault Incident

The following information is provided to alert both WSU students, staff and faculty, as well as area residents, to this crime so that they may take additional precautions in the area.

On Thursday, May 29, 2008, a 26 year old male WSU student reported he was the victim of a physical assault while standing near the front of the Chatsworth apartment building. The student reports that at about 12:56am, he and two friends were approached by three unknown males, one of whom walked directly up to him and suddenly punched him in the mouth.

According to the victim, no words were exchanged, no threats made, no weapons were seen or inferred and no property was demanded or taken. The victim states that after he was punched by the one subject, all three subjects walked west on Merrick and then south on Anthony Wayne Drive. The victim, who was not seriously injured, was taken to a local hospital for treatment of a bloody lip and back pain.

Subject's Description:

Only very general descriptions of the three subjects were provided. The subjects were described a three black males in their 20's, slender build, dark pants, each wearing different colored 'hoodies' (one white, one brown and one black).

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Wayne State Police Investigator Powell at 313-577-6061.

To All Wayne State University Students, Staff and Faculty,

Special Crime Alert: Armed Robbery Incident

The following information is provided to alert both WSU students, staff and faculty, as well as area residents, to this crime so that they may take additional precautions in the area.

On Monday, April 28th 2008, a 52 year old female WSU student reports she was the victim of an armed robbery while at the front of 665 W. Hancock. The student reports that at approximately 11:40pm, she and a female friend were approached by three unknown males, one of whom stated, "Let me get some money". One subject displayed what appeared to be a nickel plated revolver. The two victims handled over $1.00 in change. The three subjects then fled northbound in a nearby alley. Neither victim was injured.

Subject's Description:

#1: Black male, 20's 5'6" tall, medium build, wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, black knit cap, he had rotted front teeth, and was armed with a silver handgun.

#2: Black Male, early 20's, 5'11" tall, medium build, short hair - almost bald, wearing a navy peacoat and dark colored jeans.

#3: Black Male, early 20's, 5'6" tall, wearing a black coat, dark colored jeans and a gray "kangol" hat.

PREVENTION TIPS:

To reduce your chances of becoming a robbery victim, we recommend you routinely walk in areas where you can see others and others can see you.

Robbery perpetrators, like any other criminal, don't want to be caught "in the act" of robbing someone. They prefer areas where neither potential victims or witnesses will see them. By staying in populated areas, you increase your chances of never being selected for this type of crime.

Whether you are in the city or the suburbs and you find yourself confronted by a robber, the most important thing that you can do during the incident is to prevent, if possible, any violence. Always assume the robber is armed, even if you can’t see a weapon, and act accordingly. If you are the victim of a robbery, consider these important tips:

• Get it over with quickly. Chances are if you stall, the robber will get nervous and may be more prone to violence.

• Nothing you have or own is worth getting hurt for. Valuables can be replaced, you can not.

• Do what the robber asks, but do not volunteer to do anything more. Move quickly, but carefully to give the robber exactly what they want.

• Do not fight or try any impulsive heroics. The risks are high if the robber is armed.

• Do not volunteer to go anywhere with the robber or allow them to take you anywhere. The odds are heavily against you if you allow them to take you to a secondary crime scene where they have more privacy and more control over you.

• Do not chase the robber. Carefully note their physical description and the direction they flee in. If they have a vehicle, note it's type, color and license plate if possible.

• If you have the opportunity to flee, do so immediately. The robber wants your property most of all. Drop it or throw in one direction, then run in the opposite direction, to any area where there may be other people around.

• Call the Wayne State University Police immediately at 313-577-2222.

Other Considerations:

**Be aware of your surroundings...

Pay attention to who may be watching you and why. Trust your sixth sense. If a person approaching you makes you feel uncomfortable, change your direction and head to a location where you can see other people and they can see you.

We also recommend you carry your cell phone on your person (on a belt clip or in your pocket), rather than in a purse or backpack. That way, if you become separated from your purse or backpack, you can still call for assistance.

To All Wayne State University Students, Staff and Faculty:

On Tuesday, January 22, 2008 at approximately 4pm, a 19 year old female student and resident of WSU South Hall reported that she was the victim of an attempted sexual assault two hours earlier inside her room at the South Residence Hall.

The student reports she had just opened her dorm room when the below described subject came from an unknown location and pushed her into her room. The victim states that when she resisted, the offender fled the room. The victim telephoned the police about two hours later.

The offender was described as a black male, approximately 20 years old, 5’8” tall, thin build and medium complexion. He was described as wearing a black mask covering the top half of his face, a black jacket, blue jeans and gloves.

WSUPD officers immediately responded to South Hall and met with the victim. EMS Medics were requested to ensure the student was not injured, but the victim refused medical attention. At the present time, the victim has declined to provide additional information and has chosen not to prosecute if a suspect is identified. A canvass of all the rooms on that floor failed to locate anyone that observed anything out of the ordinary or a suspect matching the above description.

At this time, WSUPD Investigators are asking that anyone who observed any suspicious persons or activity in the South Residence Hall on Tuesday to contact them at 313-577-2054.

THE ALERT POSTED on 11/15/07 IS CANCELLED. TWO SUSPECTS HAVE BEEN ARRESTED. A joint task force of Wayne State Police Officers and Detroit Police Officers detained two juvenile suspects during the commission of another fondling incident on November 19th. The Department wishes to show its appreciation to all of those citizens that called in or sent in e-mail tips. Our department's success is very closely linked to the amount of help we receive from our campus community.

Posted Noverber 15, 2007 CANCELLED

Special Crime Alert: Near Campus Forcible Fondling Incident and a Near Campus Attempted Robbery Incident. Both occurred last night Nov. 14, 2007.

The following information is provided to alert both WSU students, staff and faculty, as well as area residents, to these incidents so that they may take additional precautions in the area.

Incident #1: Forcible Fondling and Indecent Exposing -
            Thursday, Nov. 14, 2007, 5:30pm, Alley rear of 666 W. Forest.

  A 21 year old female student reports she was walking on W. Hancock from Second and talking on her cell phone. She reports that while walking she noticed the below subject following her. She turned southbound in the alley and walked towards her apartment building. While walking she was confronted by the below subject who slapped her on the buttocks. She then ran to her apartment building door and turned around to see the subject exposing himself at her. The subject was last seen running south in the alley towards W. Forest.
The victim then ran down the alley to a patrolling WSUPD scout car and told the officer what had happened. Responding WSUPD units searched the area alleys and were unable to find the subject. The victim was not injured.

Subjects Description: Black male, 14-16 years old, 5'2" 100 pounds, wearing a green and brown winter coat with fur around the hood, white button down dress shirt, black tie, dark jeans with a belt, carrying a dark colored back pack or book bag. According to the victim, the clothing looked like a "school uniform".

Incident #2: Attempted Robbery Not Armed -
            Thursday, Nov. 14, 2007, 5:40pm, Alley rear of 665 W. Warren.

A 26 year old female WSU student reports she was walking in the east-west alley rear of 665 W. Warren when she was approached by the below described subject who attempted to grab her backpack from behind. The victim confronted the subject who then attempted to "hug" her. The victim told the subject to get away as she backed up. The subject also backed up and then reached into his waist band. The student immediately fled to a nearby building and called WSUPD. The subject's method and direction of escape are unknown. The subject obtained nothing and the student was not injured.

Subject Description: Black Male, 14-16 years of age, 5'0" tall, 110 pounds, 1 inch thick natural hair style. Wearing a dark coat, dark pants, white shirt with a red and blue colored tie. Clothing description resembles a "school uniform".

Both of these incidents occurred 10 minutes and one block apart. Both descriptions are nearly identical. WSUPD investigators are checking area schools to determine which have school uniforms and what they look like.

PREVENTION TIPS:

To reduce your chances of becoming a robbery victim, we recommend you routinely walk in areas where you can see others and others can see you.

Robbery perpetrators, like any other criminal, don't want to be caught "in the act" of robbing someone. They prefer areas where neither potential victims or witnesses will see them. By staying in populated areas, you increase your chances of never being selected for this type of crime.

Whether you are in the city or the suburbs and you find yourself confronted by a robber, the most important thing that you can do during the incident is to prevent, if possible, any violence. Always assume the robber is armed, even if you can’t see a weapon, and act accordingly. If you are the victim of a robbery, consider these important tips:

• Get it over with quickly. Chances are if you stall, the robber will get
nervous and may be more prone to violence.

• Nothing you have or own is worth getting hurt for. Valuables can be
replaced, you can not.

• Do what the robber asks, but do not volunteer to do anything more. Move
quickly, but carefully to give the robber exactly what they want.

• Do not fight or try any impulsive heroics. The risks are high if the
robber is armed.

• Do not volunteer to go anywhere with the robber or allow them to take
you anywhere. The odds are heavily against you if you allow them to
take you to a secondary crime scene where they have more privacy and
more control over you.

• Do not chase the robber. Carefully note their physical description and
the direction they flee in. If they have a vehicle, note it's type,
color and license plate if possible.

• If you have the opportunity to flee, do so immediately. The robber
wants your property most of all. Drop it or throw in one direction,
then run in the opposite direction, to any area where there may be
other people around.

• Call the Wayne State University Police immediately at 313-577-2222.

Be aware of your surroundings. Pay attention to who may be watching you and why. Trust your sixth sense. If a person approaching you makes you feel uncomfortable, change your direction and head to a location where you can see other people and they can see you. We also recommend you carry your cell phone on your person, rather than in a purse or backpack. That way, if you become separated from these items, you can still call for assistance.