Bexley police are investigating a reported burglary/robbery in the 800 block of Village Creek Drive in Bexley. According to the report, someone threw a large stone through the rear glass door of a basement apartment and entered. The victim reportedly struggled with the suspects, but they escaped. The apartment had been rummaged through and a laptop, gaming system and video game were stolen, according to the report. A pair of stereo speakers were damaged. The suspects, who were described as black males wearing black hoodies, were last seen heading south through the apartment complex. No additional information is available at this time.
Capital police offer the following safety tips to students who live nearby and who may be going home for Christmas break:
- Make sure to arm your security system if you have one.
- Call the Post Office and have them stop your mail.
- Call the newspaper and have them stop delivery.
- Double check your doors and windows to make sure they are locked.
- Take inside any hidden keys.
- Purchase timers for lights that can be programmed to turn lights on and off at specific times.
- Draw all your shades; make sure all your windows are covered so that people cannot look into your house.
- Consider taking valuable items home with you (i.e. laptops, mp3 players, gaming systems, other electronics, jewelry, etc.).
- If you have a trustworthy friend that will be staying in the area during break, have them check on your house periodically.
- Leave all of your exterior lights on and consider leaving one of your hallway lights on.
- Make sure that the last person to leave for break has gone through this list.
Date: Friday, November 30, 2012
Franklin County Sex Offender Registry Notification
Be aware that Jose Francisco Fernandez has registered the address of 810 Sheridan Ave. with the Franklin County Sheriff. Fernandez, pictured at left, is considered a sexually oriented offender and was convicted of gross sexual imposition. For additional information, visit www.icrimewatch.net/offenderdetails.php?OfndrID=1564558&AgencyID=55213.
Date: Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Location: Capital University parking lot
Incident: Suspicious person and vehicle
Capital University police recently were notified that a suspicious vehicle connected to a person of interest in an area crime recently pulled into a parking lot on Capital University's Bexley campus.
The vehicle is a white 2013 Town and Country rental minivan, and the person of interest is described as a Pakistani male in his 30s, 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighing about 185 pounds with black hair and a long black beard. If you see a person or vehicle matching these descriptions, please contact Public Safety immediately at 236-6666.
Date: Sunday, November 18, 2012, 7:25 pm
Location: 900 block of College Avenue
Incident: Armed robbery
Capital University and Bexley police are investigating a reported armed robbery in the 900 block of College Avenue. According to police, the alleged victim was approached by two black males who displayed a weapon and stole the victim's cell phone. According to police, one suspect was described as having braids and wearing a gray sweatshirt, and the other was wearing a black hoodie. They were last seen running north from the crime scene. No other details are available at this time.
Date: Sunday, November 4, 2012, 1:45 am
Location: Capital University Apartments, 2100 block of Astor Ave.
Incident: Robbery and impersonation of a police officer
Bexley Police are investigating the reported robbery of a male who was sitting in a car parked on the street in front of Capital University Apartments. According to police, the alleged victim was approached by a black male wearing a black hoodie and ski mask. The suspect flashed some sort of badge, handcuffed the victim and took his cell phone and cash. The victim was released without harm after the incident. No injuries were reported, and no weapon was displayed. No arrests have been made. Police continue to investigate.
Date: Saturday, September 15, 2012, approximately 12:42 am
Location: Charles Street and Sheridan Avenue in Bexley
Incident: Robbery
Bexley Police notified Capital University Police early Saturday morning that a Capital student had been robbed in the area of Charles Street and Sheridan Avenue. No one was injured, and no weapons were used, but the student's cell phone was stolen. Police detained two suspects, but the alleged victim was unable to positively identify them. The investigation remains under investigation,
As always, please be aware of your surroundings and use the buddy system if traveling after dark. If you have information regarding this or other area crime, please call campus police at 236-6666.
Date: Thursday, September 6, 2012, at approximately 6 am
Location: In front of Renaissance Columbus Downtown Hotel, 50 N. Third St.
Incident: Homicide
Update:
According to media reports, Columbus police arrested 53-year-old Thomas Wallace, of Columbus, Thursday afternoon on a charge of murder in connection with the stabbing death of a man in front of the Columbus Renaissance Hotel, located at 50 N. Third St., Downtown Columbus.
Original post:
Columbus Division of Police is investigating a homicide that allegedly occurred early Thursday morning at the Renaissance Columbus Downtown Hotel, located 50 N. Third St., several blocks northwest of the Law School campus. Few details are available at this time, but according to police, it's possible this was an attempted robbery that went bad. The victim apparently died from multiple stab wounds. There are no suspects. Police continue to investigate.
Capital Crossroads Special Improvement District encourages anyone in the downtown Discovery District who would like a safety escort to their car, the bus, class or office to call 228-5718. Also, Capital students, faculty, and staff at the Law School may request an escort to their car by contacting Law School security at 236-6161 or by contacting any on duty security officer at the Law School.
If you have any information about this incident, please contact Columbus Division of Police at 614-645-4545 or Capital police at 614-236-6666.
Date: Tuesday, August 28, at 9:55 pm
Location: Charles Street and Sheridan Avenue, in Bexley
Incident: Armed robbery
Capital University was notified late this morning that Bexley Police are investigation an alleged armed robbery reported at 9:55 pm Tuesday, August 28. According to the report, a male Capital student reported he was walking near the intersection of Charles Street and Sheridan Avenue when he was approached by two black males on bicycles. One of the suspects showed a silver and black pistol and ordered the victim to give him "everything," the report said. After one suspect punched him in the jaw, the victim handed over his smartphone. The suspects left on their bikes, heading east on Charles Street toward College Avenue, and the victim called police. The suspects were described as being in their late teens. One had short dreadlocks, according to the report. No other information was available. Police continue to investigate. If you have any information regarding this incident please contact Bexley Police at 559-4444 or Capital Public Safety at 236-6666.
Date: Wednesday, August 29, 2012, approximately 12:15 am
Location: Reflections foundation, the plaza, Bexley campus
Incident: Attempted abduction
Update 2:
At 10:25 am Thursday, August 30, police arrested Kurties R. Byrd, 43, of Market Avenue South, in Canton, Ohio, on a charge of criminal trespassing in connection with the alleged attempted abduction reported on Capital's campus late Tuesday night. According to Capital police, a building attendant spotted Byrd heading east near the University's library, which is located on Main Street. He was arrested minutes later with assistance from Bexley Police Department at the corner of Main Street and Pleasant Ridge Avenue. Byrd soon will be taken to Franklin County Jail.
Update:
Additional information is now available about the attempted abduction reported last night.
Capital University and Bexley Police are investigating an attempted abduction that reportedly occurred on Capital University's Bexley campus about 11:42 pm Tuesday, August 28.
According to the Capital University police report, a female student was studying with a friend near Reflections fountain on the plaza. When her friend stepped away to take a phone call, a man approached the woman studying, said he needed help, and asked her to go to his car. The woman declined and started to walk away, but the suspect attempted to grab her, according to the report. She got her friend and they started to walk quickly toward Lohman Complex, with the suspect following them. The women entered the residence hall, made sure the door was locked behind them, and called police. Police searched the area, but no one matching the suspect's description was found. No one was injured, and no arrests have been made. The investigation continues.
Others reported the suspect had approached them earlier in the evening asking for money, but no other details are available at this time. The suspect is described as a black male with a shaved head in his mid-20s, 6 feet tall wearing no shirt, dark shorts and dark shoes. As always, please use caution. If you have any information regarding this incident please contact Public Safety at 236-6666.
Original report:
Capital University and Bexley Police are investigating an attempted abduction that reportedly occurred on Capital University's Bexley campus about 12:20 am Wednesday.
According to police, a female student was walking on the plaza when she was approached by a man who asked her to follow him to his truck. When she refused, the male reportedly tried to grab the student and then chased her to Lohman Complex nearby. Once safely inside, the student called police. No one was injured, and no arrests have been made.
Others reported the suspect had approached them earlier in the evening asking for money. He is described as a black male in his mid-20s, 6 feet tall wearing no shirt, dark shorts and dark shoes. As always, please use caution. If you have any information regarding this incident please contact Public Safety at 236-6666.
Date: Friday, August 3, 2012, between 8 am and 4 pm, and Tuesday, August 7, between noon and 3 pm
Location: Harry C. Moores Campus Center and Yochum Hall, Capital University
Incidents: Thefts from offices
Capital University Police are investigating two reported thefts from offices on Capital University's Bexley campus. The first reportedly occurred sometime during the workday on Friday, August 3, and the second took place between noon and 3 pm Tuesday, August 7.
According to police, two employees reported their wallets were stolen from their purses. One purse had been stowed in a desk drawer, and the other was under the desk in an office that had been locked during the lunch hour, but open during the remainder of the day. Bexley Police later recovered that wallet at Trinity Lutheran Seminary, but $300 was missing. A credit card taken from the wallet in the first incident was used at Turkey Hill Gas Station, located on Broad Street and Nelson Road. Officers are reviewing footage from security cameras and continue to investigate.
Please use extra caution, be aware of your surroundings, and always lock your office and valuables when you step away from your desk, even if you're gone for a short time. As always, please report any suspicious activity or people to the Department of Public Safety at 236-6666.
Date: Saturday, July 14, 2012, 2:20 pm
Location: Trinity Lutheran Seminary apartments, 2192 E. Main St., Bexley
Incident: Rape
Bexley Police are investigating a reported sexual assault at Trinity Lutheran Seminary Apartments. No Capital University students or employees were involved in this matter. This information is being shared to heighten safety awareness and to help prevent future crimes.
According to the report, the alleged victim reported he had connected with someone over a website, and they arranged to meet at his apartment to watch a movie. Once they were at the apartment, the victim reported the suspect forced the him to have sex and then left the apartment. The victim reported he later received a threatening text message from the suspect. On Tuesday, July 17, police arrested Oscar A. Castillo, 28, of Brownlee Road, in Columbus, on a charge of rape in connection with this incident. He is in the Franklin County Jail.
Date: Monday, June 25, 2012 at about 10:45 am
Location: Capital University Law School, 303 E. Broad St., Downtown Columbus
Incident: Reported menacing
A woman seeking legal advice over the telephone from Capital University's legal clinic this morning reportedly made threatening remarks to the clinic staff during the call, which occurred about 10:45 am Monday, June 25. Clinic staff reported the incident to Law School security, and Capital University police and the Columbus Division of Police investigated. Columbus police made contact with a person of interest, but no charges have been filed. If you receive similar calls, please report them immediately to Law School security at 236-6161 or Capital police at 236-6666.
Date: Monday, June 18, approximately 8:30 am
Location: Davidson Hall, Columbus State Community College, 550 East Spring Street, downtown Columbus
Incident: Stabbing
Columbus Police are investigating a reported stabbing on the camps of Columbus State Community College, located at 550 East Spring Street, downtown Columbus. According to a security alert sent at 8:56 am Monday by a downtown security network, the stabbing reportedly took place at Davidson Hall at Columbus State. A person of interest is described as a black male, 5 feet 6 inches, weighing 160 pounds and wearing a long-sleeved gray T-shirt. If you see an individual fitting this description, or if you have any information about this incident, If you have any information about these incidents, please contact Columbus Division of Police at 614-645-4545 or Capital police at 614-236-6666 immediately.
Update: Posted at 7:24 pm Monday
Police at Columbus State Community College arrested Isaac Rotchin on a charge of felonious assault in connection with the reported stabbing of a part-time instructor at Columbus State Community College Monday morning. Rotchin was arrested at about 6 pm. No other details have been confirmed at this time.
Update: Posted at 2 pm Monday
Police have identified Isaac Rotich, 45, as a person of interest in this morning's reported stabbing of a part-time instructor at Columbus State Community College. According to police, Rotich is 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighs about 160 pounds. In an earlier update, it was reported that the incident appears to be unrelated to any class, academic or business issue of the college, and that Rotich is not affiliated with Columbus State. Columbus State police and Columbus Division of Police continue to search for Rotich and investigate. Anyone who sees Rotich should call Columbus State police at 614-287-2525 or Columbus police at 614-645-4545. As always, if you have a question or concern about safety on Capital's campuses, please call Capital police at 614-236-6666.
Date: Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Location: Capital University Law School Parking Lot, 303 E. Broad St.
Incident: Theft from Vehicle
Police are investigating the reported theft of spare tires from several vehicles parked in downtown Columbus parking lots, including a lot at Capital University Law School. According to police, incidents occurred at Capital Law School at 6:43 pm Tuesday, April 10, and again at 4:19 pm Wednesday, May 23. Spare tires were stolen from a Honda CRV and a Jeep Wrangler.
Surveillance images from Capital's parking lots show a black male with a thin build wearing a dark jacket and ball cap enter the parking lot in a dark green Hyundai. The individual parks near the CRV, pretends to work on the Hyundai but removes the CRV's spare tire and loads it into the Hyundai before leaving.
A downtown area security network also issued an advisory to inform people and businesses in the area about similar incidents that have occurred recently in nearby parking lots downtown.
Please be aware of suspicious people and activity in campus parking lots. If you have any information about these incidents, please contact Columbus Division of Police at 614-645-4545 or Capital police at 614-236-6666.
Date: Sunday, May 27, 2012, at 4:45 pm
Location: 2300 block of Mound Street
Incident: Burglary
Bexley police are investigating a reported burglary in the 2300 block of Mound Street, near Capital University's campus. According to the police report, a woman reported a man entered the residence without permission through an unlocked back door and took a purse that was sitting on the dining room chair. The purse contained a driver's license, credit card and an insurance card, according to the report. The suspect is described a black, heavy-set male in his 30s or 40s with close-cut, graying hair and an unshaven face. No one was injured, and no arrests have been made. If you have any information regarding this incident, please contact Bexley police at 614-559-4444 or Capital police at 614-236-6666.
Date: Friday, April 27, 2012
Location: Various parking lots on the Bexley campus
Incident: Theft of catalytic converters from vehicles
Capital University and Bexley police are investigating a series of thefts of catalytic converters from cars parked in various campus parking lots and on city streets. A catalytic converter is the part of the vehicle's exhaust system that converts toxic chemicals into less toxic substances and reduce pollution-causing emissions. The devices contain precious metals, like platinum, making them attractive targets for thieves. To protect your vehicle, try to park in well-lit areas. As always, please report any suspicious activity or people to Public Safety at 614-236-6666.
Safety Reminder: Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Bexley and Capital University police departments are seeing an increase in reports of theft from vehicles as the academic year winds to a close. Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to take extra precautions, especially during finals week. Capital's Department of Public Safety offers these tips to help you protect your property.
Protect Your Property
Most crimes of larceny committed at Capital University are crimes of opportunity and occur primarily when property is left in unlocked or unattended areas. In an attempt to alleviate this problem, the Department of Public Safety makes the following suggestions:
- Keep the door(s) to your room or residence and windows locked at all times.
- Report defective campus locks on windows and doors immediately to the Office of Facilities Management at 614-236-6400.
- Do not let strangers to follow you into residence halls. Direct them to the Department of Public Safety.
- If you see a suspicious person or vehicle on campus, immediately contact campus police at 614-236-6666. Try to get the license plate number.
Motor Vehicles
- Report all suspicious persons or vehicles around parking areas to the Campus Police 614-236-6666 immediately.
- Keep your vehicle locked and the windows rolled up tightly.
- Never leave your vehicle running when unattended.
- Packages, purses, luggage, books, back pack, iPods, laptop and other valuables should be locked in the trunk or taken to your room or office.
- Stereo and GPS should be mounted either out of sight or with slide-out brackets. These brackets will permit the removal of the unit and allow you to take the unit with you or to put it in the trunk when the vehicle is unattended.
- Keep spare keys in your wallet or purse, not inside the vehicle where a thief can easily find them.
- Keep a record of your vehicle identification number (VIN), registration plate number, and title certificate number.
Crime prevention at Capital University requires widespread involvement for it to succeed. The ultimate goal of the Department of Public Safety is to provide a safe and secure environment for the students, faculty, and staff at Capital University.
Date: Friday, April 20, 2012, about 11 am
Location: Capital University Law School, 303 E. Broad St.
Incident: Suspicious Person
A suspicious individual attempted to enter the Law School building at the Broad Street entrance at about 11 am Friday, April 20. As security officers escorted him from the area, the man used threatening language. An image from the surveillance camera is posted at right. If you see this individual, do not approach him. Notify Law School security at 236-6161 or Bexley campus police at 236-6666.
Date: March 24, 2012
Location: 700 Block of Sheridan Avenue
Incident: Assault and Robbery
On March 24, 2012 at approximately 1:25 am, two Capital University students flagged down Bexley Police to report that they had just been robbed and physically assaulted. The victims claimed that the suspects forced their way in to the victims' residence in the 700 block of Sheridan Avenue and proceeded to assault them and then steal their cell phones and an X-Box. The suspects then attempted to leave the scene in a black Ford Explorer.
Bexley Police stopped the vehicle, and the victims positively identified the suspects as the individuals who had robbed and assaulted them. The suspects were then arrested and taken into custody.
Date: Saturday, March 17, 2012
Location: 2300 block of E. Mound Street
Incident: Alleged sexual assault
Capital University and Bexley police are currently investigating an alleged sexual assault of a female Capital University student that took place between 1 and 4 am on Saturday, March 17, 2012 in the 2300 block of E. Mound St.
According to the Capital University Police report, an officer was dispatched when the alleged assault was reported on March 20, 2012 at approximately 12:20 am. The officer interviewed the victim who reported that she had been asleep in her room on the night of March 17, 2012, but was awoken when a male climbed on top of her and proceeded to sexually assault her. The alleged assailant has been identified.
The Bexley Police Department is leading the investigation of this case.
The CU Public Safety Department urges anyone who believes they or a friend has been a victim of a crime to immediately contact their local law enforcement agency. On campus, the campus police can be reached at 236-6666. Victims of any form of sexual assault are encouraged to seek confidential support from the counselors at the University’s Center for Health and Wellness, 236-6114, located in the Kline Building.
Date: Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Sex Offender Awareness Notification
Be aware that Larry Gore Jr., a registered sex offender whose last known address was Mayfield Place in Bexley, was arrested Monday on a charge of sexual imposition. He later was released because the charge is a misdemeanor. According to information obtained by campus police, a woman reported that a man followed her apartment complex while she was walking home Monday, grabbed her buttocks, and then fled the area. The man later was identified as Gore, pictured to the right. The incident did not take place near Capital's campus, and no Capital students are involved.
Police describe Gore as a black male in his 30s, 6 feet tall and 161 pounds with tattoos on his neck, stomach and left arm. Capital University police urge members of the campus community to be aware of their surroundings at all times, and especially when walking in the area or using nearby bike trails.
Date: Tuesday, March 6, 2012, between 1 and 3 am
Location: Parking lots behind College Avenue Apartments and the Department of Public Safety, located along Sheridan Avenue
Incident: Criminals Continue to Target Vehicles On or Near Campus
Capital University and Bexley police are investigating the slashing of tires on vehicles parked along Sheridan Avenue and in Capital University parking lots located along Sheridan Avenue. According to Capital police, tires were slashed on at least eight vehicles parked in the lot behind College Avenue Apartments and the Department of Public Safety between 1 and 3 am Tuesday, March 6. If you have any information regarding this incident, please contact Public Safety at 236-6666.
Date: Monday, March 5, 2012, between midnight and 7 am
Location: South end of C-Lot
Incident: Thieves Target Vehicles in C-Lot
Capital University police are investigating at least five incidents of theft from vehicles parked on the south end of C-Lot, located across from The Capital Center along Pleasant Ridge Avenue between Mound Street and Astor Avenue. According to police, victims reported their windows had been broken and items, including purses, luggage and electronic items left in the vehicles, had been stolen. One victim reported her stolen credit card had been used at area businesses.
There are things you can do to lessen the likelihood that your vehicle will be targeted by thieves. Here are some safety tips to practice:
- Remove all valuables from your car.
- Visit your car frequently. Don’t let it sit in the same spot for long periods of time.
- Remove personal paperwork (things with your name, address, phone number and other personal information).
- Lock your doors and close your windows.
As always, if you see suspicious activity, or if you think you have information relevant to these incidents, please call Public Safety at 236-6666.
Date: Reported to Columbus Police on Thursday, December 1, 2011, at 1:30 pm; occurred on Sunday, November 27, 2011, at 5 pm
Location: Livingston Avenue and Barnett Road, Capital University parking lot, and a men's bathroom in the Harry C. Moores Campus Center
Incident: Alleged sexual assault
The Columbus Division of Police is investigating a report of sexual assault that allegedly took place between 5 and 6 pm Sunday, November 27. At this time, the incident does not appear to be connected to Capital in any way other than location. According to a report dated December 5, Columbus police were called to Ohio State University Hospital East at 1:30 pm Thursday, December 1, to interview a sexual assault victim. According to the report, the victim stated he and someone he was chatting with on UrbanChat.com agreed to meet at 5 pm at East Livingston and South Hamilton roads. When the victim arrived, a black male driving a silver car pulled up and ordered the victim to get in. The victim reported the suspect drove to Barnett Road and to a parking area at Capital University and forced the victim to have sex in both locations. The men walked into the campus dining hall and entered a men's bathroom, where the suspect forced the victim to have sex again, the report said. According to the report, the suspect was not armed but forced the victim by threatening to blackmail him. Afterward, the suspect drove the victim back to East Livingston and South Hamilton roads and released him. The suspect was described as a black male, age 24, between 5 feet 10 inches and 6 feet 3 inches, and weighing 160-170 pounds. Capital University police are assisting with the investigation. If you have any additional information about this or any other crime, please call 236-6666.
Thursday, December 8, 2011, at 2:30 pm
Location: Bexley Public Library, 2411 Main St.
Incident: Public indecency
According to Bexley police, a Capital University student reported she was sitting in a first-floor study carrel at the Bexley Public Library when a man sat down in a chair next to her. A few minutes later, the man turned his chair toward the student's and exposed and fondled himself, according to the report. The suspect left when someone else entered the room. The suspect is described as a tall black male with a slight beard and wearing a black windbreakers with red trim, dark pants and a dark baseball cap. No injuries were reported and no arrests have been made.
Thursday, November 17, 2011, at 3:30 pm
Location: 900 block of Pleasant Ridge Avenue
Incident: Aggravated burglary
Bexley police are investigating an alleged aggravated burglary of a Capital University student. According to police, the student was returning to his off-campus residence in the 900 block of Pleasant Ridge Ave. about 3:30 pm today when he spotted a male leaving the residence carrying the student's backpack and a PlayStation.
The student confronted the suspect, and the suspect punched the student several times, bit him on the hand, and knocked him to the ground. The suspect reportedly put his hand in his pocket and threatened to pull a knife before fleeing on foot, police said. The student called police. Bexley police have identified Mark Mickens, 42, of Columbus, as a person of interest. According to police, Mickens is a black male, 5 foot 9 and 170 pounds.
According to the report, the residents of the home had agreed to let Mickens rake leaves in their yard on Wednesday. The incident remains under investigation. No arrests have been made. The student refused treatment at the scene and went to an urgent care facility on his own.
On November 6, Capital police told Mickens to leave Capital's campus after he approached a female student in her car and asked to use her cell phone, police reported.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Location: Troutman Hall
Incident: Burglary, theft and criminal trespassing
Capital University police have issued a warrant for the arrest of Donald L. Cobbs, 43, of Bulen Avenue, in Columbus, related to an alleged burglary and theft of a bicycle from Troutman Hall sometime on Wednesday, October 12. Cobbs is wanted on the following charges:
- burglary, a third-degree felony;
- theft, a first-degree misdemeanor; and
- criminal trespassing, a fourth-degree misdemeanor.
Police learned early Thursday morning that a faculty member's bike was missing from Troutman. An officer had been dispatched to the building at about 8 pm Wednesday on a report of a suspicious male wearing a medical boot on his left leg. They didn't find anyone and didn't know at the time that the bike was missing. 
Later, officers checked the surveillance tape and saw the suspicious male wearing the medical boot pushing a yellow bike into Troutman Hall. He parked it, and then pushed a different bike — a blue one matching the description of the missing bike — out the same door. He returned an hour later, took the yellow bike and left the building. The individual later was identified as Cobbs.
According to police, Cobbs has targeted Capital's campus before. A faculty member recently reported seeing him coming out of a lab in Battelle Hall, and police arrested him in 2009 for stealing a computer out of a campus computer lab. If anyone sees Cobbs or has any information regarding this incident, please call Public Safety immediately at 236-6666.
Thursday, October 6, 2011, 1:35 pm
Location: Blackmore Library
Incident: Suspicious Person and Suspicious Activity
Update (Thursday, October 6, 2011, 9:35 pm ): In an incident possibly related to today's earlier report of a suspicious person, a Capital student reported to campus police at 6:30 pm Thursday that she had been approached by a male at 2 am Wednesday, October 5, while she was was standing on the patio located on the north side of Saylor-Ackermann Hall. According to police, the student reported she stepped outside to smoke when the man approached from the other side of the partial wall and asked her if she wanted a ride. When she refused, the man reportedly grabbed the student by the wrist and tried to pull her toward him. The student shoved the man, turned and went back inside the building. She described the man as a black male, age 35 or older, chubby, bald, and wearing a light blue Nike hoodie and black pants. The man did not have facial hair. Police urge student to be aware of their surroundings at all times. If you notice something suspicious, please contact Public Safety at 236-6666.
Original post (5 pm): Capital University police responded to a report about a man behaving suspiciously and watching students in the library. After talking to the callers, police located the man, who was identified as Lonnie Sturdivant, 54, of Morse Road, in Columbus, and told him why they had been called. Sturdivant said he was not a student at Capital University. Police told him to leave campus and informed him that he is not permitted to return. He complied.
Police later received information that Sturdivant is a person of interest in two reported sexual assaults being investigated in Columbus. According to the report, Sturdivant is a 54-year-old black male, bald, 6 feet tall and about 200 pounds, and has a goatee. Anyone who sees him on campus should call Public Safety at 236-6666.
Monday, September 5, 2011, between 2 and 2:30 am
Location: Cotterman Hall
Incident: Burglary
Update (September 26): An arrest has been made in connection with the September 5 burglary at Cotterman Hall. At 5 am Monday, September 26, Capital University police arrested Anthony Crockett, 55, of Kenview Road, in Columbus, on charges of burglary and tampering with a coin machine — both felonies. He was arrested and taken to the Franklin County Jail. Police also detained Cristina Haines, 28, of Walters Street, in Columbus, but released her pending grand jury indictments.
According to police, Crockett and Haines were sitting in a car parked in the split lot, which runs south along Pleasant Ridge Avenue between Mound Street and Astor Avenue. After a brief conversation, the officer identified the two as the suspects seen on the surveillance tape and wanted in connection to the Cotterman Hall burglary.
Original post (September 6): Capital University police are investigating a burglary that occurred in Cotterman Hall between 2 and 2:30 am Monday, September 5. According to police, two unknown individuals — a black male and a white female — entered the building through the main entrance behind a resident who had just walked in. Once inside, the woman struck up a conversation with some students sitting in the common area while the male, who was carrying a large black screwdriver,pried open a vending machine around the corner and removed the change and cash box. The two left the building afterward.
Witnesses described the male as being anywhere from 5 feet 10 inches to 6 feet 2 inches tall, bald, and in his early 40s. They said the female was petite with dark hair. See surveillance camera images above and at left. Surveillance cameras recorded a male fitting that description attempting to enter Renner Hall at about 10 pm Thursday, August 18, the same day a vending machine in that building was broken into.
Police urge students and employees to always be aware of their surroundings. Report any suspicious activity to Public Safety 24 hours a day. If someone you don't recognize enters a building or residence hall behind you after hours, and you don't feel comfortable, report it to Public Safety at 614-236-6666.
Sunday, August 28, 2011, 1:30 am
Location: 700 block of Sheridan AvenueIncident: Alleged Sexual Assault
Bexley Police are investigating an alleged sexual assault of a Capital University female student at approximately 1:30 am on Sunday, August 28, in the 700 block of Sheridan Avenue, near Capital’s campus. The incident is being investigated as a sexual assault, not a rape. Based on the information police have at this time, this incident is believed to be unrelated to the sexual assault that allegedly occurred Sunday morning in the 800 block of College Avenue.
According to the report, which was made at about 6 p.m. Sunday, August 28, the woman was returning from walking her friend home when a white male approached and invited her to a party. When she refused, the male shoved and fondled her. A struggle ensued. The woman threw her keys and bit the male on the cheek. The male fled.
The suspect is describe as a white male about 6 feet 2 inches with shaggy dark brown hair and some facial hair. If anyone has information about the alleged assault, contact Public Safety at 236-6666. Please be alert and aware of your surroundings at all times, and use the Public Safety escort service.
Sunday, August 28, 2011, 12:45 am
Location: 800 block of College Avenue
Incident: Alleged Sexual Assault
Bexley Police are investigating an alleged sexual assault of a Capital University female student at approximately 12:45 am on Sunday, August 28, in the 800 block of College Avenue, near Capital’s campus.
A description of the assailant is unavailable at this time. If anyone has information about the alleged assault, contact Public Safety at 236-6666. Please be alert and aware of your surroundings at all times, and use the Public Safety escort service.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011, at 4:50 am
Location: Capital Commons Apartments, 578 Park Drive
Incident: Capital University police responded to a call about an attempted burglary at Capital Commons apartments at 4:50 a.m. Tuesday, April 12. According to police, a woman reported she was sleeping on the couch in the living room of the apartment and was awakened by a window falling on her. The woman saw that the window screen had been cut and immediately called Capital police.
Officers responded, saw the cut screen, and noted that the window latches appeared to have been broken by the suspect. No suspect was found. Nothing was taken from the apartment, no one was injured, and no arrests have been made. The incident remains under investigation.
Keeping our campus community safe is our priority, so please be reminded of some safety tips everyone should follow. As always, anyone with information warranting the timely warning of a crime should report the situation to Public Safety at (614) 236-6666.
Residence Hall Tips
- Always lock your room/apartment doors and windows every time you leave.
- Make sure that all valuables are secured in a locked cabinet or drawer.
- Report all suspicious people or circumstances immediately to Public Safety.
- Remember that crime increases in spring and summer months.
Personal Safety
- Be alert and aware of people around or approaching you.
- Don't walk alone at night; walk with a friend or in a group.
- Use public walkways. Avoid shortcuts and dark or secluded places.
- Know your route and the quickest way to get help.
- Use the Public Safety Escort Service for escorts on and near campus.
Vehicle Safety Tips
- Lock your vehicle every time you leave it.
- Do not leave tempting valuables or property visible inside the car. Lock these items in the trunk.
- Report suspicious people to Public Safety as soon as possible; include as much information about the person, location, and/or type of car involved.
If you need an escort to or from your vehicle, contact Public Safety at 236-6666. Be aware of your surroundings at all times and notify Public Safety if you observe any suspicious activity on campus.