Campus Security & Public Safety

A student reported to Campus Security that he was the victim of an assault just north of campus earlier this morning (August 8) at about 1:00 AM.  The student reported that he was walking in the alley of the 200 block east between Mission and Augusta with a non-student when an individual or individuals knocked him to the ground and kicked him. The student was treated at a hospital for facial lacerations. The non-student was not injured.

The student was unable to provide any description of the individual(s), but was still encouraged to file a police report.

Gonzaga community members are reminded of the following safety tips:

• If you have to walk, do so in groups especially after dark. Try to use well-lit, busy routes.

• Utilize Security escorts to travel across campus: 313-2222.

• Be aware of your surroundings.

• Report suspicious persons or circumstances immediately to GU Security (313-2222) or SPD (911).

• DO NOT confront persons who act or appear they may become threatening.

Last year’s event was such a blast, we just had to do it again. David’s Pizza (thanks Mark!), fun games, great people, all on the beautiful lawn between Welch & Desmet Halls. 6-8 PM on Tuesday August 6th. Come meet your neighbors, chat with public safety representatives, or just hang out. We hope to see you there!

Persons of interest in a theft of a laptop from Foley Library. Campus Security would like to talk to them. Please call 509-313-2222 if you see them on or near campus.

A faculty member reported to campus security this morning (July 8) that somebody had entered her College Hall third floor office and accessed her computer. Gonzaga ITS was able to determine that the computer was accessed at about 11:30 PM on July 4th for approximately 2 minutes. Nothing is believed to be missing at this time, nor is any information believed to be compromised. The faculty member was advised to report the incident to Spokane Police.  Campus security is reviewing surveillance video.

The subject may have accessed the office by entering a fenced construction area on the west side of College Hall, climbing a scaffold, and entering through an unsecured window.

Gonzaga staff & faculty are reminded to:

• Secure all doors and windows when away from your office.
• Log off or lock your computer whenever you are away from it. Call ITS at 313-5550 if you are unsure how to lock your computer.
• Report suspicious persons immediately to Campus Security (313-2222).

A report was received today at 9:30 AM by Campus Security that yesterday, Jul 2, 2013 around 5:00 PM a female student was verbally accosted by four teenage males on the Kardong Bridge.  The student also reported on the same day around 9:40 PM on the Hamilton Bridge the same group of teenagers from the earlier incident harassed her and another student who was with her at that time.  According to the student the same four teenage males began pushing and punching the student accompanying her.   The student stated at one point one of the teenage males asked another for a knife; a pocket knife was seen by the students, but wasn’t brandished in a threatening manner.  The student added they were able to get away and call 911. Spokane Police responded and completed a report.  The student provided the following additional description of the four teenage males:

Suspect #1: teenage male medium to dark complexion, 5’10”, thin build, with short black hair, wearing a grey tank top and dark basketball shorts, ear piercing in both ears.  Described as the primary aggressor

Suspect #2:  white teenage male, with collar length curly blond hair, shorter than suspect #1, wearing a tank top and basketball shorts

Suspect#3: white teenage male with short blond hair, shorter than Suspect #1, wearing a tank top and basketball short.

Suspect #4: White teenage male.  

All four where on BMX style bikes

Gonzaga community members are reminded of the following safety tips:

• If you have to walk, do so in groups especially after dark. Try to use well-lit, busy routes. Be aware of your surroundings.
• Utilize Saferide or a taxi service if you need a ride back to your residence from an off-campus location: call 568-8000.
• Utilize Security escorts to travel across campus or to/from near-campus locations: 313-2222.
• Report suspicious persons or circumstances immediately to GU Security (313-2222) or SPD (911).
• Once you are in safe place, report all crimes immediately to police at 911 and GU Security at 313-2222.

A student reported he was awakened to an intruder in his house this morning.  The student related the intruder gained entry through an open window.  The intruder immediately fled the house upon being discovered by the student.  Spokane Police Department and GU security responded, checked the residence finding no one inside, nothing disturbed, no signs of forced entry and nothing taken from the residence.  The police conducted a search of the area for the intruder; however they were unable to locate him.  The intruder was described as a white male, balding approximately 5’6” tall, wearing a hoodie and baggy pants.

Here are some easy steps you can take to help protect your property:

*  With the warm weather residents are reminded to lock  doors and windows. Keep curtains & blinds closed.

* Make sure all of your exterior lights are working.

* Report all crimes immediately to 911.

* Report suspicious persons and activities immediately to 911.

If you encounter a subject in your residence, do not attempt to confront
them. Go to a safe place and call 911.

A student reported that a window was broken in an apparent attempt to enter a ground floor apartment at Sinto Apartments in the 200 block of East Sinto yesterday between 2PM and 3:30 PM. A person of interest, described as a Hispanic male, mid-20’s, thin build, short hair, wearing a plaid long sleeve shirt, was seen in the area prior to the incident. No actual entry to the apartment was made, and no items were taken.

Campo reminds you…loading your car the night before you leave is NOT a good idea. DON”T provide thieves an easy opportunity to steal your stuff!

A Gonzaga student reported that on April 26 around 12:30 AM while walking alone he was approached by two men who demanded his money.  The student complied and gave them his money and the two men fled on foot eastbound on Sharp.  No weapon was seen or inferred.  The two men were described as white, early twenties, around 6’2”, thin to medium build, wearing black pants and black hoodies with black bandanas covering their faces.  The student contacted the Gonzaga Security and Spokane Police Department at the time of the incident.  The two men were not located. 

 Gonzaga community members are reminded of the following safety tips:

 If you have to walk, do so in groups especially after dark. Try to use well-lit, busy routes. Be aware of your surroundings.

• Utilize Saferide if you need a ride back to your residence from an off-campus location: call 568-8000.
• Utilize Security escorts to travel across campus: 313-2222.
• Report suspicious persons or circumstances immediately to GU Security (313-2222) or SPD (911).
• Once you are in safe place, report all crimes immediately to police at 911 and GU Security at 313-2222.

Every year about this time, we receive reports of individuals soliciting magazine sales at residence halls on campus, and at residences in the surrounding neighborhood. In the past, these individuals have sometimes gained access to residence halls and apartments by “tailgating” behind a student who is entering. These individuals DO NOT have permission to enter Gonzaga residences, and/or solicit on the Gonzaga campus. If you see them anywhere on campus, please contact GU Security immediately at 313-2222.

An important reminder: you should NEVER allow access to your residence hall to anyone who is not a resident, an authorized staff member (who should be able to provide GU identification) or accompanied by a resident or authorized staff member.

A recent incident at Seattle University’s law school had some members of a class a bit shaken up: http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Belligerent-intruder-barges-into-Seattle-University-law-class-195806601.html

What would you do in a similar situation? Gonzaga Security recommends these basic steps to protect yourself and others:

• Stay calm. Part of staying calm is envisioning and planning – in advance – what you would do in a situation like this.
• Get to a safe place. If you can’t get to a safe place, be prepared to defend yourself until help arrives.
• Call 911; and then campus security at 509-313-2222. Be prepared to provide detailed information to the dispatcher.

A response time of 1-2 minutes by campus security is not unusual. We’ll do our best to respond quickly, but safely. In a serious incident on campus, law enforcement is usually on scene in 3-5 minutes.

For more information on the steps to take when you are confronted with a dangerous or potentially dangerous situation, check out Gonzaga’s Emergency Guidelines   and active shooter information.

Gonzaga Security also offers facilitated training sessions tailored to specific workplace and academic settings. For more information, contact  Community Education at 509-313-3996.

Campus Security received  a report of a white male 40-49 years of age, thin build, average height, short blonde hair, asking several people on and near campus for gas money.

We also received a report from a student of a male subject wearing jeans and a large black overcoat who she believed may have been following her while she walked across campus alone at 2:15 AM Saturday morning. The subject did not attempt to make contact with the student.

Gonzaga community members are reminded of the following safety tips:

• If you have to walk, do so in groups especially after dark. Try to use well-lit, busy routes. Be aware of your surroundings.
• Utilize Security escorts to travel across campus: 313-2222.
• Utilize Saferide if you need a ride back to your residence from an off-campus location: call 568-8000.
• Report suspicious persons or circumstances immediately to GU Security (313-2222) or SPD (911).

Going to the WCC tourney? Follow these safety & security tips from Las Vegas Metro PD:

1. When your luggage is in your possession, treat it as if it were GOLD. Never leave these items unattended.
2. Carry travelers checks, instead of large amounts of cash. Only carry what you will need for the day (or evening). Leave all your valuables,such as credit cards, jewelry or airline tickets, in the room safe. Write down your traveler check and credit card numbers and place this information in your room safe.
3. Be alert. If you are in a crowded area, carry your purse (wallet)close to you and keep a firm grip on it. Do not leave purses (handbags or cameras) on the back of chairs, under tables or restroom hooks.
4. Keep track of your hotel key. You may want to return your key to the front desk while you are out. Close you hotel room securely, even if you are going for ice. Ask a security officer to escort you to your room if you have lost your key.
5. Use automatic teller machines in well-lighted areas of the hotel you are staying in. Walk in pairs or groups whenever possible.
6. Make sure your family or friends have contact numbers for you while you are in the Las Vegas area. Keep in touch with them and tell them where you are going.
7. Look for the VIVA patrol if you need directions or other assistance.The VIVA Patrol (Visitor Information, Visitor Assistance) is part of the LVMPD*s volunteer program. VIVA members wear bright yellow shirts with the VIVA logo as well as caps and can be found walking in pairs along the Strip, Fremont Street and McCarran International Airport.
8. Stay alert and trust your instincts. If you see suspicious people loitering near your hotel room or auto do not approach or confront them . Report any suspicious activity to the hotel, a police officer, a security officer, or hotel staff member immediately.
9. In crowded areas or in situations where crowds are expected (such as show lines, buffet area, bus stop, baggage carousel ect.) be aware of your valuables. Keep your purse or luggage close to your body. In situations as these, it may be wise to carry any monies in your front pocket or use a secured “fanny pack.”

Houses

A student vehicle was broken into at 5:23 AM this morning at Kennedy Apartments. Suspects used the same routine as yesterday morning and last month at Sinto Apartments. One of the suspects checks vehicles in the lot for “incentives” (in this case, two Ipods and a stereo with faceplate). He returns to his vehicle and they park in a space near the target vehicle. One of the suspects then breaks into the target vehicle.

In the vast majority of vehicle prowls, the thief looks for valuable items first, then breaks in. They rarely break in and then look for items. The key is taking a few seconds to remove valuable items from view. If you can’t take them inside with you, at least conceal items in the glove box, trunk, or under a seat. Don’t give the thief a reason to target your vehicle.

The vehicle of interest is a silver or light gray 1996-1999 Ford Taurus with minor body damage on the left side. it has a distinctive oval shaped rear window. If you see this vehicle on or near campus, please contact Campus Security immediately at 509-313-2222.

We believe this may be the same vehicle as the one in the January 24th vehicle prowl at Sinto Apartments. MO is same: suspect vehicle parks in a nearby space, passenger gets out and checks cars in the lot, finds target. Driver never leaves vehicle. Passenger appears to be white male 25-40, medium height and build. Smoker. May have shaved keys as he entered a 1992 Honda Prelude at Plant Services (west of Dussault) without force.

If you see this vehicle on or near campus or observe any suspicious activity, please call Campus Security immediately at 509-313-2222.

Gonzaga Security received a report today regarding a subject who entered the Duff’s kitchen on Friday at about 7 PM through an open back door and asked the employees for money. Duff’s employees reported that the subject did not threaten them, but continued asking for money until they escorted him out. During review of security video, he was also seen approaching several other community members in the Kennedy Apartment parking area before and after he entered Duffs. The subject is a dark-skinned male, 18-22 years old, with long curly hair. He was wearing denim knee-length shorts.

Please report any panhandling to Campus Security immediately at 509-313-2222.

From SPD’s news release:

The Spokane Police Department is looking for information into a shooting that took place on Baldwin between Cincinnati and Hamilton.

The incident happened just before 2:00 AM on February 25^th.  Witnesses reported seeing a male in dark clothes standing by a small white 4door car.  He shot several rounds from a handgun at a small black truck with a canopy that was stopped in the street.  The suspect has not been identified and the victim left the area without contacting police.  Officers located several shell casings in the street and bullet fragments that show shots were fired towards the west.  Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Check at 456-2233 or 242-TIPS (8477)

At 2 AM this morning, two vehicles in the Sinto Apartments parking lot were prowled. The suspect was riding a mountain bike and had a backpack. He wore a dark colored hooded jacket. In each case, the suspect first looked into the vehicle using a flashlight, then broke the front passenger window and climbed in through the window to look through the vehicle for valuables. This was much the same MO from the vehicle prowl on January 28th http://blogs.gonzaga.edu/campo/2013/01/28/vehicle-prowl-at-sinto-apartments/

The same subject was later seen in the area at about 4 AM, so he is likely very active in the neighborhood.

Please remember to lock your vehicle and remove or conceal all items that might provide incentive to break in. This includes backpacks, duffle bags, laptop cases, and Ipod cables.

Last Friday evening at 6:30 PM, a student walking on Sharp Avenue near Addison was inappropriately touched by male subject who had walked up behind her. The student responded by yelling, retreating to a safe place, and calling Spokane Police and Campus Security immediately. Spokane Police quickly located and detained the 21 year old non-student. After being identified by the student, he was booked into jail for Assault with Sexual Motivation. Kudos to the student for handling this situation perfectly and to the Spokane Police for a quick response!

Gonzaga community members are reminded of the following safety tips:

• If you have to walk, do so in groups especially after dark. Try to use well-lit, busy routes. Be aware of your surroundings.
• Utilize Saferide or taxi service if you need a ride back to your residence from an off-campus location: call 568-8000.
• Utilize Security escorts to travel across campus: 313-2222.
• Report suspicious persons or circumstances immediately to GU Security (313-2222) or SPD (911).
• Once you are in safe place, report all crimes immediately to police at 911 and GU Security at 313-2222.