CRIME BEAT

Possible Hit and Run

On April 1, 2023, Officer Eric Woods was dispatched to Lot 15 about a possible hit and run. The caller was identified and Officer Woods met the student at Lot 15 where they had their car parked to assess the damage. The student filled out a statement stating they parked in Lot 15 all day, not noticing the damage until March 30th. According to Officer Woods’s narrative, the damage was to the driver’s side rear panel just to the left and above the tail light. Other than a light scratch and a possible paint transfer from another vehicle, no other damage was reported. Subsequently, the student parked their vehicle in a different spot. There is no further information at this time.

Vehicle Damage

On March 29th, 2023, a student came into the University Police Department to discuss property damage on their vehicle. The student called the University Police Department earlier that day saying that sometime between 12:20 pm and 1:10 pm on March 27th, 2023, the passenger rear window of the car had been shattered. The student stated that their car was parked in the metered lot. Suspecting the shattered window resulted from mowing in the area, Officer Joshua Webb informed the student that if they suspected the damage occurred in UALR jurisdiction then they would need to file a formal report.

At the police department, Officer Webb gathered all of the student’s information including photos of the damage and the bill for having their window replaced. Officer Webb informed the student that he would generate a report and investigate the incident. The student was given Officer Webb’s contact information and to call if any additional information came up regarding the incident.

Possible Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Officer Angela R. Jones was dispatched to Lot 14 E-phone in regards to a student’s concerns about carbon monoxide build up in their truck making them ill.

Officer Christopher Rodgers and Officer Jones made contact with the victim in Lot 14.

When they arrived the student began explaining their concerns about carbon monoxide in their car, truck, and home. The student refused the officers’ recommendation to call Emergency Medical Services. The student stated that they already went to the hospital for blood tests and their doctor about their concerns. They also purchased a carbon monoxide detector.

After officers confirmed the detector was turned on, they placed it in the vehicle with the truck turned on. The carbon monoxide detector did not go off. The student explained they began having symptoms before finals.

They were afraid their vehicle had been tampered with by a family member after having a confrontation with them recently. According to Officer Jones’ narrative, the student also reported their concerns to the Sheridan Police Department. Some of the symptoms the student has been experiencing include headaches, sensitivity to light and sound, dizziness, and difficulty sleeping. The victim’s dog also has been affected by this at their home and in both vehicles.

Officers Jones and Officer Rodgers encouraged the student to visit counseling services regarding his situation, which they declined. After doing a general wellness check of the victim they directed them to call the Police Department if they needed any further assistance. There is no further information at this time.

Criminal Trespass and Missing Property at Fribourgh Hall

On Monday, March 20, 2023, Officer Eric Woods and Assistant Chief Benjamin Rommel were dispatched to Fribourgh Hall about a possible trespass and missing property. Mr. Greg Tatera, the UALR Director of Facilities and Grounds was the one that made the call and stated that a custodian found in the custodial closet in room 514 a square bin with urine present inside of a garbage container.

Assistant Chief Rommel and

Officer Woods made their way up to room 514 by elevator. According to Officer Woods’s narrative, inside the storage locker behind the door to the room, they found clothes from an unknown person that appeared to belong to a male. There was also a three-foot garbage bin containing trash and inside of that bin was a clear rectangular bin filled with what appeared and smelled like urine. Director Tatera stated that the custodial worker is normally there Monday through Friday and it was a recent incident. Director Tatera would also take inventory of the room to determine what is missing.

IT Department vs. Arkansas Electric

On March 3, 2023, Officer Christopher Rodgers responded to a report of a missing router from the Donaghey Student Center. Once the officer arrived and made contact with the victim, they explained they worked for Arkansas Electric and are sponsoring and hosting an event in the aquatic center that needed a personal modem to connect properly to their system.

The victim informed Officer Rodgers that they placed the router on the ground, and plugged it into an outlet on the second floor in the east hallway above the pool. According to Officer Rodgers’ narrative, the victim stated he left the area and was aware of a connection to the router at 8:20 am and a drop in connection at 8:30 am.

After receiving this information, Officer Rodgers contacted Captain Aaron Birmingham about the situation including the location of the router and the time it went missing. Captain Birmingham was then able to look at the camera footage and pinpoint the item being taken.

The router was picked up by a UA Little Rock IT services employee. The employee informed the Department of Public Safety he had confiscated the router due to a violation of University Police and state law. The IT employee was informed of Officer Rodgers’ location and brought the router back so it could be returned to its owner. After returning the router to the Arkansas Electric employee, they also explained the university’s policy regarding this matter. There is nothing further to report at this time.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns please contact the University Police Department at 501-916-3400.

Stay pretty, stay safe, and have a lovely summer break, Forum Readers.

BY RIAN NEWMAN