Incident date: Monday, October 1, 2018
Incident Location: Troutman Hall, Ruff Memorial Learning Center and Battelle Hall
Incident Type: Reported vandalism and theft
Update: Monday, October 29, 2018
Two suspects have been charged in relation to the vandalism and theft reported October 1 in Troutman Hall, Ruff Memorial Learning Center and Battelle Hall. Justus Kritz, 21, or South Bloomfield, Ohio, and Spencer Bretz, also of South Bloomfield, have been charged with six counts each of burglary, breaking and entering, tampering with coin machines, vandalism and possessing criminal tools. Neither Kritz nor Bretz is a Capital student. The suspects were identified through the October 12 Safety Bulletin post, which included surveillance images of the suspects entering and leaving the buildings at the time of the incident.
Original post: (Friday, October 12, 2018)
Capital University Police continue to actively investigate several related incidents of Bexley campus vandalism and theft that occurred late in the evening on October 1. Anyone with information related to these events, or who recognizes the individuals pictured here, is advised to contact Capital Police at 614-236-6666.
Please note: While no one was injured and there was no threat to campus safety during either incident, university property was stolen and heavily damaged at significant cost to the university.
According to police reports, officers were called to Troutman Hall at about 10:30 pm Monday, October 1, to investigate a fire alarm. After determining the alarm had been set off by the misuse of a fire extinguisher, officers investigated further and a large kitchen knife and hammer in a hallway on the second floor of the building. The fire extinguisher had been sprayed into a nearby office, and the kitchen knife, hammer and used fire extinguisher were in the hallway leading from the office to the building’s exit.
The following morning, October 2, it was reported a second-floor closet in the Learning Center had been ransacked, several classrooms damaged with graffiti, several desk drawers and storage spaces had been forced open, and an iPad had been stolen from an employee’s desk. A vending machine and projector screen also were damaged. Police believe the knife, hammer, fire extinguisher and soldering tools also found at the scene were used to pry open drawers, doors and the vending machine.
Police reviewed surveillance footage of Troutman Hall and Ruff Memorial Learning Center and identified two suspects in and out of the buildings at the time the crimes occurred. The suspects, pictured here, are described as white males in their late teens or early 20s, with thin builds and dressed in gray and black. Surveillance video shows suspect 1 with a thin beard, wearing a black t-shirt, gray sweatpants and gray tennis shoes. Suspect 2 is described as a thin white male wearing a long-sleeved white shirt, black baseball hat, glasses, dark jeans and gray shoes.
Incident Date: Monday, October 1, 2018, approximately 9:15 pm
Incident Location: Intersection of Sheridan Avenue and Charles Street, near the Bexley campus
Incident Type: Reported Road Rage
Bexley and Capital Police are investigating a reported road rage incident that occurred at approximately 9:15 pm, October 1, at the intersection of Sheridan Avenue and Charles Street in Bexley.
According to police, two Capital University students were attempting to cross the street when they got into a verbal altercation with the driver of a vehicle who then pulled a weapon and discharged it into the air. The suspect in the vehicle left the scene driving south on Sheridan Avenue toward Livingston Avenue, away from the campus area.
No one was injured in the incident. Bexley Police Department and Capital Police searched the area and were unable to locate the vehicle or the suspect.
The car was a Dark Gray or Black early 2000 model Honda Accord. The suspect was described as a white male wearing a football jersey. A dog was also in the car.
If you have information about this or any other campus crime, please contact Public Safety at 614-236-6666.
Incident Date: Sunday, August 19, 2018, approximately 2:06 pm
Incident Location: Main Street and Alum Creek Road, near the Bexley Campus
Incident Type: Reported Armed Suspect At Large
Columbus Police have arrested a man in connection with a reported armed robbery and stabbing at Family Dollar Store, located at 1900 E. Livingston Ave., on Sunday, August 19. According to police, the incident occurred about 2:10 pm. Capital Police issued a CapAlert because the suspect, who was believed to be armed, had been seen heading north in the vicinity of Alum Creek Road and Main Street just west of Capital University’s Bexley campus. Capital Police issued an all-clear at 3:12 pm upon learning the suspect had been apprehended. There are no other active investigations on Capital’s campus at this time.
If you have information about this or any other campus crime, please contact Public Safety at 614-236-6666.
Incident Date: Sunday, April 1, 2018, about 5:45 pm
Incident Location: Bexley Village Apartments parking lot
Incident Type: Reported Aggravated Robbery
Update: The following photos show the two suspects involved in the robbery. If you have any information please contact Capital police at 614-236-6666 or Bexley police at 614-239-8881.
Bexley and Capital police are investigating a reported aggravated robbery of a Capital student that occurred at about 5:45 pm Sunday, April 1, in the parking lot of Bexley Village Apartments, located in the 800 block of Sheridan Avenue, near Charles Street, in Bexley.
According to police, two males — one armed and wearing a ski mask — stole a car after they approached a student in a car, ordered him to get out, and then drove off eastbound. The suspects were last seen headed east toward Sheridan Avenue. No injuries were reported, and the investigation is ongoing. Suspects are described as male, black and between the ages of 16 and 25. The car is a 2016 silver Honda Accord four-door sedan.
Police initially were dispatched on a report of a stolen car. When they arrived on the scene and learned the suspects had been armed, the suspects had left the area.
At the time of the initial Safety Bulletin update, police were investigating another reported stolen car incident in the Bexley area. Police later determined no crime had been committed in that incident, and that it was not related to the aggravated robbery investigation. Please be aware of your surroundings, remain alert, use caution and report any information about this or other University safety concerns to Capital police at 614-236-6666 or Bexley police at 614-239-8881. You can also report a crime tip through the Guardian App.
Incident Date: Friday, March 23, 2018
Incident Location: Saylor-Ackermann Residence Hall
Incident Type: Reported public indecency/exposure
Update: Tuesday, April 3, 2018
Capital Police have since identified and interviewed the suspect, a student, who reported he had been drinking the night before the incident. Police determined the exposure was unintentional, and the woman declined to press charges. No criminal charges will be filed, and the matter has been referred to Student Affairs for further review.
Original post: (Friday, March 23, 2018)
An unknown male reportedly exposed himself to a woman on the third floor of Saylor-Ackermann Residence Hall sometime between 8:15 and 8:24 am on Friday, March 23, 2018. He fled the area when the victim tried to take a picture of him. Capital and Bexley police officers searched the building but did not find the suspect. He is described as white, 18-24 years old, wearing a dark blue long-sleeved shirt, gray boxer shorts and no shoes. If you have any information regarding the incident or the suspect, please contact Capital Police at 614-236-6666.
Incident Date Jan. 21, 2018, at approximately 10:15 am
Incident Location: Trinity Parking Lot, southeast side, 595 College Ave.
Incident Type: Reported Suspicious Person
Capital University Police are investigating a report of a suspicious person who approached a student walking to the Convergent Media Center from Capital University Apartments at about 10:15 am Sunday, Jan. 21.
According to the report, the student was crossing the parking lot south of Trinity Lutheran Seminary at Capital University when a man approached her and asked for help. The student noticed a white van with its door open parked next to the man, who appeared to be holding a cell phone, and she declined to get any closer. The man took several steps toward the student and said, “Come here. I need help.” The student was frightened and crossed the grass to put distance between her and the man, according to the report. He did not follow her.
According to the report, the suspicious person is described as a white male between the ages of 30 and 40, with brown hair, a scruffy beard, 5-feet 10-inches tall and about 180 pounds wearing blue jeans. The vehicle is described as a full-size white van with green stripes. It was last seen heading south of College Avenue. If you see a van on campus matching this description, please contact Capital Police at 614-236-6666 or Bexley police at 614-239-8881.
Date of Incident: Sunday, October 22, 2017, approximately 6:30 pm
Incident Location: Columbus State Community College, near Capital University Law School, 303 E. Broad St.
Incident Type: Reported abduction and armed robbery
Columbus Police are investigating a reported abduction and armed robbery near the campus of Columbus State Community College, located at 550 E. Spring St. in Columbus, near Capital Law School. According to police, two white males driving a medium-blue, late-model Toyota four-door sedan approached a Columbus State student at approximately 6:30 pm Sunday, October 22, brandishing a gun and asking for money. Police said the suspects took the student to an ATM and returned him to Columbus State once they received money from the student. No other information is available at this time.
If you have information about this or any other campus crime, please contact Public Safety at 614-236-6666.
Date of Incident: Between 5:15 pm Thursday, Sept. 28, and 8 am Friday, Sept. 29, 2017
Incident Location: Capital Commons Apartments parking lot, 600 block of Park Dr., in Bexley
Incident: Reported Theft
Capital University police are investigating a series of thefts from vehicles parked in the Capital Commons parking lot. According to the police report, eight Capital students reported someone broke into and rummaged through their vehicles, and in some cases took small items and change. The incidents took place sometime between 5:15 pm Thursday, Sept. 28, and Friday, Sept. 29.
Items reported stolen include cellphone charger, spare change, handbag, an earring, drawstring bag, and two portable Game Boys. Some vehicles were locked at the time, while others were not. No one was injured.
Police have shared the above surveillance images of a person of interest.
Please make sure to lock your doors and windows, and don't leave valuables in your vehicle. If you have any information about this or other campus safety issues, please contact Capital Police at 614-236-6666, or report a crime tip through the Guardian App.
Find additional safety and crime prevention information at Keeping Yourself Safe.
Date of Capital University Police Report: Thursday, September 21, 2017, at 10:12 pm
Date of Incident: Thursday, September 21, 2017, at approximately 8:30 pm
Incident: Sexual imposition
In compliance with the provisions of the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act of 1998, the Capital University Police Department is giving notice of an incident of sexual imposition reported by a Capital University student.
On Thursday, September 21, Capital University Police received a report of a sexual assault at the Blackmore Library from a female student. According to the police report, the victim, who wished to remain anonymous, reported someone groped her twice at approximately 8:30 pm Thursday, September 21, on the second floor of the Blackmore Library.
The suspect was identified as Lonnie Sturdivant, a 60-year old man who stands 6’0”, weighs 200 pounds, dark complexion and last known address of 37 Morse Road. (See image of suspect below.) The suspect is known to campus police from a previous encounter and is currently banned from campus. The Capital University Police Department is currently in the process of issuing a warrant for his arrest.
Columbus Police are also investigating Sturdivant as the suspect in two incidents of sexual imposition that occurred last night at 12:40 a.m. on September 22 at a bar in the area of Frambes and High Street in Columbus.
Sturdivant was recently released from jail after serving under one year for similar conduct, has been convicted of numerous sexual related offenses, and has a history of groping women in public places.
If you encounter this person, please immediately notify the CUPD at 614-236-6666.
Capital Police reminds members of the Capital community of the following prevention information:
- Sexual assault is non-consensual activity, ranging from unwanted touching to forced intercourse, which can include sexual contact with someone who is impaired by alcohol, drugs, or any other intoxicant that impairs their judgment. If either party is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, consent cannot be given.
- Always seek verbal, sober, and clear consent. Immediately stop sexual advances if the other person indicates no interest or if they say “no.” Consent to one sexual act does not imply consent to another. The absence of “no” does not mean “yes.” Pressuring or coercing someone into engaging in sexual activity is sexual assault.
- If you are ever in a situation where you are unsure or scared, call Capital Police immediately at 614-236-6666 or local police at 911.
- If you witness a situation that appears unsafe or makes you uncomfortable, intervene if it’s safe to do so, elicit help from a friend, or go to a safe area and call for help.
The University is committed to responding promptly and effectively when it learns of any form of possible discrimination based on sex, which is prohibited under Title IX of federal law. The University responds to reports of sexual harassment, including sexual violence, as part of its efforts to stop the harassment and prevent its recurrence of possible sex discrimination. Information on Capital’s compliance with Title IX and its policy on Sexual Misconduct is located at www.capital.edu/Title-IX-and-Sexual-Harassment.
Update: Friday, September 22 at approx. 4:45 pm
We have confirmed the suspect has been arrested by the Franklin County Sheriff's Office.
Date: Monday, June 12, 2017
Incident date: Sunday, June 11, 2017, from 3:02 to 3:10 pm
Incident location: Columbus Metropolitan Library, Main Branch, 96 S. Grant Ave., downtown Columbus
Incident type: Reported felonious assault
Columbus Police arrested Joseph W. Steward III, 28, of Southfield Drive, in Columbus, on a charge of felonious assault related to reported shooting at the main branch of Columbus Metropolitan Library, located at 96 S. Grant Ave., near Capital University Law School in downtown Columbus. The incident took place between 3:02 and 3:10 pm Sunday, June 11, and was contained to the library.
Police reported Steward shot a man in the lower ankle. The victim was taken from the scene to Grant Hospital for treatment, and officers took Steward to police headquarters to be interviewed. Following the interview, Steward was charged with felonious assault and taken to the Franklin County Jail.
This incident did not present an ongoing threat to the surrounding community, or the Law School, yet it is important to remember safety information related to assaults:
Assaults are basically fights carried out with or without a weapon at home or in a public space, between strangers, (frequently) among friends, acquaintances, or loved ones. The most serious assaults are known as "aggravated assaults," less serious offenses are called "simple assaults." In many cases, simple assaults turn into more serious assaults or even homicides, if the initial argument or fight is not scaled back or resolved quickly.
While some assaults are unavoidable, use the following tips to make sure simple arguments do not turn violent or deadly:
- If you are involved in a heated argument that appears to be turning violent, walk away. If you stay and fight "to prove something," you will only demonstrate poor judgment in almost every instance.
- Carrying a weapon can escalate the situation, and it could ultimately be used to harm innocent people or yourself.
- Always be aware of your surroundings. If you are wearing headphones, don't turn up the volume so high that you cannot hear surrounding noises.
- If you see an assault in progress, dial 9-1-1 immediately to alert the police, or call 614-236-666 if on university property to contact Capital Police. Do not jump into the fray, unless it is a last resort to prevent more serious injury.
(Tips adapted from https://mpdc.dc.gov/page/guarding-against-robbery-and-assault)
Date: June 5, 2017 at approximately 1:00 pm
Location: 949 Ferndale Place near Main Campus
Incident: Shooting
At approximately 1:00 pm on Monday, June 5, 2017, Bexley Police responded to a reported shooting at Ferndale Place, located several blocks west of Capital University’s Bexley campus. According to early reports, multiple shots had been fired, and the suspects were seen headed east toward campus on foot.
Believing the incident posed an immediate and ongoing risk to the health and safety of its university community, Capital police issued a CapAlert about a reported active shooter and advised the university community to avoid the area until further notice.
As additional information was gleaned during the investigation that followed, a second CapAlert was issued with a description of the suspect. A third and final CapAlert was then sent to notify the university community that the immediate threat had ended. Capital is awaiting the final report from Bexley police and will update the Safety Bulletin with additional information about the incident accordingly.
Capital University has a deep and longstanding commitment to early reporting of information that impacts the health and safety of our university community so students, faculty, and staff can make informed decisions. We hold to the belief that it is best to alert early for incidents that pose a significant risk rather than waiting for a situation to fully evolve.
Update: 7:15 PM
Police have arrested the suspect.
Update: 2:01 PM
Suspect(s) have reportedly left the area. Investigation is ongoing. Call 614-236-6666 with any information.
Update: 1:26 PM
Active shooter update at FERNDALE by Main campus. Avoid the area. Subjects are 2 Black Males one wearing a Red Cap backwards
Active shooter reported at 949 Ferndale Pl near Main Campus. Avoid the area and seek safety. Officer searching the area. No subject description at this time.
Date of report: Sunday, March 19, 2017, at 2:05
Date of incident: Sunday, March 19, 2017
Location: Capital University Law School, 303 E. Broad Street
Incident: Reported assault/attempted robbery
Columbus police are investigating the reported assault of a Capital University student that occurred on Capital Street near the entrance to the Capital University Law School campus around 2 pm on Sunday, March 19, 2017.
According to police, the suspect, who is described as a black male wearing a blue jacket, blue jeans and a red hat, attempted to rob a student. The student resisted, and the suspect fled. The student was uninjured and no property was taken. Police believe the suspect has left the area.
The incident remains under investigation. No additional information is available at this time. Please use caution and report any information about this or other University safety concerns to Capital police at 614-236-6666. You can also report a crime tip through the Guardian App.
Special Update:
February 6, 2017
Re: Incidents reported on November 14, 2015; September 16, 2016; and January 26, 2017
According to the police report, this case was closed on January 28, 2017, following a thorough investigation. The alleged victim told police he was responsible for writing the notes, and for the attack he claimed took place on September 16, 2016, on Astor Avenue. Police referred the student to counseling and Judicial Affairs. The Safety Bulletin posts for November 14, 2015; September 16, 2016; and January 26, 2017, have been updated to reflect the cases have been closed.
Update: February 6, 2017
According to the police report, this case was closed on January 28, 2017, following a thorough investigation. The alleged victim told police he was responsible for writing the notes, and for the attack he claimed took place on September 16, 2016, on Astor Avenue. Police referred the student to counseling and Judicial Affairs. The Safety Bulletin posts for November 14, 2015; September 16, 2016; and January 26, 2017, have been updated to reflect the cases have been closed.
Date: January 26, 2017, between 8 and 10 am
Location: 700 block of Sheridan Ave., in Bexley
Incident: Reported menacing
Update: Case closed (See Update)
Capital University police are investigating an incident of menacing reported at a campus residential facility near the Bexley campus in the 700 block of Sheridan Avenue. According to the police report, Capital students told officers they found a note with derogatory comments regarding sexual orientation and race on their back screen door of their off-campus, university-owned residence. A similar incident was reported in November 2015, but no fingerprints or other incriminating evidence were found on the note, and no arrests were made.
Residential and Commuter Life is assisting the students, and police are actively investigating. Anyone with any information regarding this incident or any other campus crime should contact Capital police at 236-6666.
Capital University does not tolerate words or actions that violate human dignity. We consider acts of intolerance taken against one member of our community to be a violation of the community as a whole.
Capital's Human Dignity Policy states: "The members of our campus community must respect all persons regardless of race, ethnic origin, gender, age, religion, ability or sexual orientation. While we realize that acts of intolerance may be the result of ignorance and that a significant part of our mission is to confront ignorance with education, we cannot allow these acts to harm another person. In the same sense that we are called to support the mission of Christian higher education, we are also called to commit our energies and resources to the continual task of combating both subtle and obvious intolerance.
"Capital University regards as unacceptable conduct on the part of its students, faculty, and staff, words or actions that are intended to be, or that are reasonably foreseeable to be, threatening, intimidating, or harassing to any member of the university community including students, faculty, staff, guests and contracted service employees on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, religion or physical or mental condition."
Capital is committed to building an inclusive university environment through programming that fosters an appreciation and respect for the culture, history, orientation and traditions of all people.
Anyone who experiences or witnesses violations of this policy, or needs additional information regarding these topics, should contact Almar Walter, director of Diversity and Inclusion, at awalter@capital.edu, or Jennie Smith, dean of students, at jsmith13@capital.edu, and Theresa Feldmeier, director of Human Resources, at tfeldmei@capital.edu, or Public Safety at 236-6666.
Date: January 3, 2017, approximately 4:40 pm
Location: Penn Station East Coast Subs, 2500 E. Main St., in Bexley
Incident: Reported armed robbery
Bexley police are investigating a reported armed robbery at Penn Station East Coast Subs, located at 2500 E. Main St. in Bexley. According to police, witnesses reported two black males — one with a heavy build and wearing a gray hoodie and white hat, and the other with a slim build wearing a blue hoodie — entered the restaurant, displayed a firearm and demanded money. After receiving money, the suspects left the store and headed west into a nearby parking lot, and then north on foot, police said. The suspects are believed to have left the area, and the immediate threat to campus safety is over.
The incident remains under investigation. No additional information is available at this time. Please use caution and report any information about this or other University safety concerns to Capital police at 614-236-6666 or Bexley police at 614-239-8881. You can also report a crime tip through the Guardian App.
Update: February 8, 2017: According to Bexley Police, following a thorough investigation, the case will be closed due to inconsistencies and evidence that conflicts with the reporter’s account.
Date of report: Thursday, November 10, 2016, at 4:37 pm
Date of incident: Thursday, November 10, 2016, between 2:30 and 3 am
Location: Francis Avenue between Mound Street and Pleasant Ridge Avenue
Incident: Reported assault
Bexley police are investigating the reported assault of a Capital University student that occurred near campus early in the morning on Thursday, November 10, 2016.
According to the police report, the victim, who is a white female, reported she was walking along Francis Avenue between 2:30 and 3 am Thursday when she was assaulted by two white males. She suffered minor injuries.
The incident remains under investigation. No additional information is available at this time. Please use caution and report any information about this or other University safety concerns to Capital police at 614-236-6666. You can also report a crime tip through the Guardian App.
Prevention Tips
While becoming a victim of crime is never the fault of the victim, the following list of practices may help safeguard individuals from becoming victims of assault:
- If possible, don’t walk alone during late-night hours. Walk in groups whenever you can—there is always safety in numbers.
- Let a family member or friend know your destination and your estimated time of arrival or return. That way, the police can be notified as quickly as possible if there is a problem.
- Stay in well-lit areas as much as possible. Avoid alleys, vacant lots, wooded areas and other short-cuts or secluded areas. They are usually not well-lit or heavily traveled.
- Walk on the sidewalk whenever possible. Walk close to the curb, avoiding doorways, bushes and other potential hiding places. If you have to walk in the street, walk facing traffic. A person walking with traffic can be followed, forced into a car and abducted more easily than a person walking against traffic.
- Walk confidently, directly and at a steady pace. Don’t stop to talk to strangers.
- Wear clothing and shoes that give you freedom of movement. And don’t burden yourself with too many packages or items.
- Always be aware of your surroundings. If you are wearing headphones, don’t turn up the volume so high that you cannot hear outside noises.
- Never hitchhike or accept rides from strangers.
- Report any suspicious activity or person immediately to police at 614-236-6666.
- Avoid carrying large sums of cash, or displaying expensive jewelry in public.
- Before entering your vehicle, check for offenders hiding in the back seat or on the floor.
- When driving, always park in well-lit places and lock your doors.
- If harassed or assaulted, scream and attempt to run for safety.
- Know your neighborhood. Identify police and fire stations, libraries schools, as well as the hours of operation of local stores and restaurants.
While these steps may do more to protect victims of assault by strangers, some are applicable to those assaulted by non-strangers. Finally, whether it is a stranger or non-stranger assault, it is important to report the incident to law enforcement immediately. Crime prevention and awareness, as well as consistent reporting, may be the strongest defenses against becoming the victim of an assault. Find additional safety and crime prevention information at Keeping Yourself Safe.
Date of Bexley Police Report: Monday, September 26, 2016, approximately 4:50 pm
Date of Incident: Sunday, September 25, 2016, approximately 3-3:30 am
Incident: Reported Sexual Assault
In compliance with the provisions of the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act of 1998, the Capital University Police Department is giving notice of a sexual assault reported by a Capital University student.
On Wednesday, September 28, Bexley Police provided Capital Police with an anonymous report of a sexual assault. According to the report, Bexley Police were called to OSU East Hospital Monday, September 26, at about 4:30 pm regarding a reported sexual assault. According to the police report, the victim, who wished to remain anonymous, reported someone she knew sexually assaulted her at approximately 3 or 3:30 am on Sunday, September 25, in a house located near Bexley, but outside city limits.
No suspects were identified, and no arrests have been made. There is no active investigation.
Capital Police reminds members of the Capital community of the following prevention information:
- Sexual assault is non-consensual activity, ranging from unwanted touching to forced intercourse, which can include sexual contact with someone who is impaired by alcohol, drugs, or any other intoxicant that impairs their judgment. If either party is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, consent cannot be given.
- Always seek verbal, sober, and clear consent. Immediately stop sexual advances if the other person indicates no interest or if they say “no.” Consent to one sexual act does not imply consent to another. The absence of “no” does not mean “yes.” Pressuring or coercing someone into engaging in sexual activity is sexual assault.
- If you are ever in a situation where you are unsure or scared, call Capital Police immediately at 614-236-6666 or local police at 911.
- If you witness a situation that appears unsafe or makes you uncomfortable, intervene if it’s safe to do so, elicit help from a friend, or go to a safe area and call for help.
- If a friend seems too intoxicated, get him or her to a safe place immediately.
- Seek medical help immediately if a friend starts to exhibit symptoms of dizziness and/or nausea, memory loss, breathing or motion difficulties, or is acting disproportionately intoxicated relative to the amount of alcohol.
The University is committed to responding promptly and effectively when it learns of any form of possible discrimination based on sex, which is prohibited under Title IX of federal law. The University responds to reports of sexual harassment, including sexual violence, as part of its efforts to stop the harassment and prevent its recurrence of possible sex discrimination. Information on Capital’s compliance with Title IX and its policy on Sexual Misconduct is located at www.capital.edu/Title-IX-and-Sexual-Harassment.
Update: February 6, 2017
According to the police report, this case was closed on January 28, 2017, following a thorough investigation. The alleged victim told police he was responsible for writing the notes, and for the attack he claimed took place on September 16, 2016, on Astor Avenue. Police referred the student to counseling and Judicial Affairs. The Safety Bulletin posts for November 14, 2015; September 16, 2016; and January 26, 2017, have been updated to reflect the cases have been closed.
Date: Friday, September 16, 2016, at about 9:30 pm
Location: Astor Avenue near Capital University tennis courts
Incident: Reported Assault
Update: Case closed (See Update)
Bexley Police are investigating an assault reported Friday night, September 16, on Astor Avenue near Capital University's tennis courts. According to the report, a Capital student was walking east on Astor Avenue after visiting a friend when someone approached him from behind, grabbed him around the neck and shoulder, and tried to choke and cut him with a knife or sharp object.
The student struggled with the offender and was scratched and cut on his neck, arm, leg and stomach, according to the report. During the struggle, a car turned onto the street and frightened the suspect away. The suspect ran east on Astor and south on Pleasant Ridge Avenue. The student refused medical attention, and nothing was stolen, the report said.
The suspect is described as a white male in his late 20s or early 30s, with dirty blond hair and a full beard, about 5 feet 11 inches tall, weighing about 190 pounds, and wearing a black do-rag on his head, a royal blue T-shirt and jeans. The incident remains under investigation. No additional information is available at this time. Please use caution and report any information about this or other university safety concerns to Capital police at 614-236-6666. You can also report a crime tip through the Guardian App.
Prevention Tips While becoming a victim of crime is never the fault of the victim, the following list of practices may help safeguard individuals from becoming victims of assault:
- If possible, don’t walk alone during late-night hours. Walk in groups whenever you can—there is always safety in numbers.
- Let a family member or friend know your destination and your estimated time of arrival or return. That way, the police can be notified as quickly as possible if there is a problem.
- Stay in well-lit areas as much as possible. Avoid alleys, vacant lots, wooded areas and other short-cuts or secluded areas. They are usually not well-lit or heavily traveled.
- Walk on the sidewalk whenever possible. Walk close to the curb, avoiding doorways, bushes and other potential hiding places.
If you have to walk in the street, walk facing traffic. A person walking with traffic can be followed, forced into a car and abducted more easily than a person walking against traffic.
- Walk confidently, directly and at a steady pace. Don’t stop to talk to strangers.
- Wear clothing and shoes that give you freedom of movement. And don’t burden yourself with too many packages or items.
- Always be aware of your surroundings. If you are wearing headphones, don’t turn up the volume so high that you cannot hear outside noises.
- Never hitchhike or accept rides from strangers.
- Report any suspicious activity or person immediately to police at 614-236-6666.
- Avoid carrying large sums of cash, or displaying expensive jewelry in public.
- Before entering your vehicle, check for offenders hiding in the back seat or on the floor.
- When driving, always park in well-lit places and lock your doors.
- If harassed or assaulted, scream and attempt to run for safety.
Know your neighborhood. Identify police and fire stations, libraries schools, as well as the hours of operation of local stores and restaurants.
While these steps may do more to protect victims of assault by strangers, some are applicable to those assaulted by non-strangers. Finally, whether it is a stranger or non-stranger assault, it is important to report the incident to law enforcement immediately. Crime prevention and awareness, as well as consistent reporting, may be the strongest defenses against becoming the victim of an assault. Find additional safety and crime prevention information at Keeping Yourself Safe.
Date: Friday, July 8, 2016
Location: Anthony's Pizza, 600 block of Pleasant Ridge Ave., in Bexley.
Incident: Reported Armed Robbery
Update: 11:15 pm
The all clear has been given and the immediate threat is over.
Update: 10:50 pm
Police are investigating a reported armed robbery at Anthony's Pizza, located in the 600 block of Pleasant Ridge Avenue. According to police, the suspect is described as a black male wearing a white shirt and black shoes, and carrying a semi-automatic gun running on foot south toward Mound Street near the Bexley campus. Please avoid the area and call 236-6666 if you have any additional information.
Date:Thursday, April 7, 2016, at approximately 8:25 am
Location: The Capital Center, located at the corner of Pleasant Ridge Avenue and Mound Street on Capital's Bexley campus
Incident: Drug possession, Criminal Trespassing and Inducing Panic
Capital University police arrested a Columbus man Thursday morning on charges of felony possession of drugs, criminal trespassing and inducing panic, both misdemeanors, after he reportedly entered The Capital Center, the University's athletic and recreation facility, removed a fencing sword from an equipment storage area, and waved the sword erratically.
Alexander Jackson-Matu, 23, whose last known address was the 1200 block of Corrugated Way, in Columbus, was arrested and taken to the Franklin County Jail.
According to the report, police initially were called to the building to investigate a report of a suspicious person. When the officer arrived, he found Jackson-Matu in the weight room where several students had been working out. The officer ordered Jackson-Matu to drop the sword and then arrested him. Jackson-Matu didn't threaten the students, and no one was injured, police said.
During a search, police reportedly recovered a syringe and a bag filled with a substance that later tested positive for methamphetamine. No other information is available at this time.
Date: Wednesday, March 2, 2016, at approximately 9:30 am
Location: PNC Bank, located 155 E. Broad Street in Downtown Columbus, near Capital University Law School
Incident: Reported Armed Robbery
Columbus police are investigating a reported armed robbery at PNC Bank, located at 155 E. Broad Street, near Capital University Law School. According to police, the suspect is described as black male of medium height and weight, wearing glasses and a tan jacket. Some streets near the incident have been closed possibly due to an unrelated matter. No additional information is available at this time. Please use caution and report any information about this or other university safety concerns to Capital police at 614-236-6666. You can also report a crime tip through the Guardian App. Find additional safety and crime prevention information at Keeping Yourself Safe.
Date: Friday, February 26, 2016, at 12:10 pm
Location: Capital Commons Apartments, located at Park Drive in Bexley
Incident: Reported Theft from Vehicle
Capital University police responded to a call for assistance from Bexley police regarding a reported theft in progress at Capital Commons Apartments at 12:10 pm Friday, February 26. According to police, one of the suspects ran from officers into a nearby wooded area. Police chased the suspect, but lost the individual at Bexley Village Apartments, in the 800 block of Sheridan Ave.
Bexley police detained two other suspects who were leaving the area at the parking lot adjacent to the apartments. According to police, a Capital student’s vehicle parked in that lot had been broken into. Police recovered the property reportedly taken from that vehicle, and detained the two suspects for possession of a stolen vehicle and other offenses.
Please make sure to lock your doors and windows, and don't leave valuables in your vehicle. If you have any information about this or other campus safety issues, please contact Capital Police at 614-236-6666, or report a crime tip through the Guardian App.
Find additional safety and crime prevention information at Keeping Yourself Safe.
Date: Sunday, January 24, 2016
Location: Construction Site, Bexley Campus
Incident: Gas Leak
Update: 12:07 pm
The tank has been repaired and the all clear has been given. All normal activities on campus may resume.
Update: 10:15 am
A gas leak was reported at the Convergent Media Center construction site, located on Capital's University's Bexley campus, 1 College and Main, at approximately 10 am Sunday, January 24. Capital Police, Columbus Division of Fire, Facilities Management and construction authorities responded and temporarily closed College Avenue and evacuated Renner Hall while the leak was contained.
The leak reportedly came from a gas tank at the construction site. The tank will be removed, and the site is secured. College Avenue has reopened, but Renner Hall and the construction site remain off limits at this time. All other buildings scheduled to be open today remain open.
Avoid Renner Hall & construction site until further notice. Don't smoke, use cell phone, open-flames or light switches in or around construction site or Renner Hall.
Date: Wednesday, January 13, 2016, approximately 2 pm
Location: Capital University Law School, 303 E. Broad Street
Incident: Possible Gas Leak
Update: 3:22 pm
The all-clear has been given, and normal Law School building operations can resume. Evening classes will continue as scheduled.
Update: approximately 2 pm
Capital University Law School is being evacuated due to possible gas leak. Columbia Gas is on route. Avoid the building. Do not smoke, use cell phone, lighters or open-flame devices in or around building. Classes in progress have been canceled. A determination on evening classes will be made as soon as possible.
Date: Tuesday, January 19, 2016, 2:28 pm
Location: Harry C. Moores Student Union, located on Capital's Bexley campus
Incident: Reported Bomb Threat
Update: 3:54 pm
Police gave the all-clear at 3:45 pm Tuesday, January 12, 2016, following a bomb threat and evacuation of Harry C. Moores Student Union at Capital University’s Bexley Campus, 1 College and Main.
Students will be permitted to return to the building briefly to retrieve their belongings from 4 to 4:15 pm, but the Student Union will remain closed for the day. Dinner will be provided in The Capital Center from 5 to 7:30 pm.
The Department of Homeland Security will continue to investigate.
Update: 3:35 pm
At approximately 2:15 pm (EST) on Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2016, Capital University Police received a bomb threat directed at the Harry C. Moores Student Union, located on Capital's Bexley campus, 1 College and Main.
The building was evacuated immediately and will remain closed for the remainder of the day. All events and activities scheduled to occur in the building have been canceled.
Capital Police, Department of Homeland Security, State Highway Patrol, Columbus Fire Department and Bexley Police are on the scene, and the building is being searched.
Classes in all other buildings will continue as scheduled. No other buildings are affected at this time.
Update: 2:28 pm
Capital University Police received a phoned-in bomb threat. Police are responding. The Student Union is being evacuated. Bomb Squad on route to investigate. Avoid Student Union until further notice. Other buildings on the Bexley campus are not off limits at this time.
Update: February 6, 2017
According to the police report, this case was closed on January 28, 2017, following a thorough investigation. The alleged victim told police he was responsible for writing the notes, and for the attack he claimed took place on September 16, 2016, on Astor Avenue. Police referred the student to counseling and Judicial Affairs. The Safety Bulletin posts for
November 14, 2015;
September 16, 2016; and
January 26, 2017, have been updated to reflect the cases have been closed.
Date: Saturday, November 14, 2015, 1 am
Location: Capital Commons Apartments
Incident: Aggravated Menacing
Update: Case closed (See Update)
Capital University Police are investigating a report of aggravated menacing at Capital Commons Apartments. According to police, a Capital student reported he returned to his apartment at 1 am Saturday, November 14, and found a threatening note with racial slurs and symbols on it taped to his door.
Residential and Commuter Life is assisting the student, and police are actively investigating. Anyone with any information regarding this incident or any other campus crime should contact Capital police at 236-6666.
Capital University does not tolerate words or actions that violate human dignity. We consider acts of intolerance taken against one member of our community to be a violation of the community as a whole.
Capital's Human Dignity Policy states: "The members of our campus community must respect all persons regardless of race, ethnic origin, gender, age, religion, ability or sexual orientation. While we realize that acts of intolerance may be the result of ignorance and that a significant part of our mission is to confront ignorance with education, we cannot allow these acts to harm another person. In the same sense that we are called to support the mission of Christian higher education, we are also called to commit our energies and resources to the continual task of combating both subtle and obvious intolerance."
"Capital University regards as unacceptable conduct on the part of its students, faculty, and staff, words or actions that are intended to be, or that are reasonably foreseeable to be, threatening, intimidating, or harassing to any member of the university community including students, faculty, staff, guests and contracted service employees on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, religion or physical or mental condition."
Capital's Office of Diversity and Inclusion is a valuable resource for students and employees, and is committed to building an inclusive university environment through programming that fosters an appreciation and respect for the culture, history and traditions of all people.
Anyone who experiences or witnesses violations of this policy, or needs additional information regarding these topics, should contact Almar Walter, director of Diversity and Inclusion, at awalter@capital.edu, or Jennie Smith, dean of students, at jsmith13@capital.edu, and Theresa Feldmeier, director of Human Resources, at tfeldmei@capital.edu, or Public Safety at 236-6666.
Update: August 31, 2015
On Thursday, August 27, at about 3:30 pm, two Columbus police officers spotted a maroon Honda Element heading west on East Whittier Street and noted it matched the description of the one that had been reported stolen from Capital University. The officers located the occupied vehicle on South 18th Street, and as they approached, the driver and other occupants reportedly pulled over and took off on foot.
According to police, the driver and a backseat passenger were located, identified and taken into custody. They are juveniles, so their identities will remain private. Police confirmed through the license plate that the vehicle matched the one that had been stolen from Capital's S2 lot, and the Honda Element was returned later Thursday afternoon.
Date: Wednesday, August 26, 2015, about 8 pm
Location: The Capital Center, Parking Lot S2
Incident: Reported Trespassing and Theft of Vehicle
Capital University Police are investigating a report of a vehicle being stolen from Capital University parking lot S2 at about 8 pm Wednesday, August 26.
According to police, four individuals, pictured above, entered several Capital University buildings and eventually stole unattended car keys from The Capital Center. The individuals were later seen on video using the keys to find the corresponding vehicle —a 2006 Honda Element — parked in S2 lot, entering the vehicle and driving off campus. They were last seen headed south on Pleasant Ridge Avenue. If you have any information on these individuals, or if you have information regarding this or any other campus safety matter, please contact Capital Police at 614-236-6666.
The safety and health of our University community is our highest priority. Crime happens even on the safest campuses. There are steps you can take to help keep yourself safe and avoid becoming a victim of crime. Find personal safety tips and more important information in Keeping Yourself Safe.
Update: Wednesday, August 12, 2015, 3:45 am
According the latest information from police, the suspect has been identified as Christopher Bennett, 28, of Dublin, Ohio. Contrary to initial reports, it is not known whether the suspect gained access to any apartments above Rusty Bucket at Bexley Gateway or whether an incident took place there prior to the suspect's reported encounter with the students at Capital Commons. The suspect was seen running from the apartments above the East Main Street restaurant, but there appears to be only one victim — the student he reportedly grabbed at Capital Commons.
Original post: Tuesday, August 11, 2015, approximately 11:30 pm
Location: Bexley Gateway, located at South Parkview Avenue and E. Main Street, and Capital Commons Apartments, located at Park Drive in Bexley
Incident: Reported Aggravated Burglary
A man has been arrested and charged with aggravated burglary after entering a Bexley apartment and grabbing two women in two separate locations. According to police, the man, who is in custody but has not yet been identified, entered a Bexley Gateway apartment located above the Rusty Bucket, 2158 E. Main St., where he grabbed a woman, threw her to the ground injuring her arms, and then ran.
Police reported the man then ran across Main Street to Capital Commons Apartments, located on Park Drive. There, he encountered two Capital students walking toward their apartment and grabbed one of the students by her arm and neck. The other student fought back, injuring his hand in the process. When the student fought back, the man left and headed back across Main Street.
Police were in the area, saw the struggle and pursued the man, who ran back toward the restaurant and jumped the patio fence. Police struggled with man and used a Taser to subdue and arrest him. No serious injuries were reported, and no additional information is available at this time. If you have any information please contact Capital's Public Safety Department at 614-236-6666.
The safety and health of our University community is our highest priority. Crime happens even on the safest campuses. There are steps you can take to help keep yourself safe and avoid becoming a victim of crime. Find personal safety tips and more important information in Keeping Yourself Safe.
Date: April 15, 2015 at 3:20 pm
Location: 13-S Columbus State Community College parking lot located at the corner of Spring St. and Grant Ave.
Incident: Gross Sexual Imposition (forcible fondling)
Columbus State Community College Police are investigating a sexual imposition that occurred in a Columbus State Community College parking lot at the corner of Spring Street and Grant Avenue, near Capital University Law School.
A female student from the Columbus College of Art and Design was heading to class when she was inappropriately touched by a male described as black, late 20s, thin and wearing a red shirt and knit cap. After the incident, the suspect left the scene in an unknown direction. If you have any information please call the Columbus State Police Department at (614) 287-2525. If you have information about any other campus safety matter, please contact Public Safety at 614-236-6666 for the Bexley campus or Capital Law School Security at (614) 236-6161 for our Law School campus.
As always, please remain alert of your surroundings, and travel in pairs. Alert law enforcement or campus personnel to suspicious and criminal activity.
Date: Wednesday, April 15, 2015 at approx. 2:30 pm
Location: Bexley Plaza at Sheridan and Livingston
Incident: Reported Armed Robbery and Shooting
Columbus Police are searching for two suspects in an armed robbery and shooting reported at approximately 2:30 pm Wednesday, April 15, near Subway Restaurant at Bexley Plaza Shopping Center, in the 2100 block of E. Livingston Avenue. One person was critically injured and taken to OhioHealth Grant Medical Center. No Capital University students or employees are believed to be involved. Police described the suspects as two black males who were last seen heading east on Livingston Avenue in a vehicle. No other information is available at this time. The investigation continues, so please use caution. If you have any information please contact either the Columbus Police at (614) 645-4545 or Capital's Public Safety Department at 614-236-6666.
The safety and health of our university community is our highest priority. Crime happens even on the safest campuses. There are steps you can take to help keep yourself safe and avoid becoming a victim of crime. Find personal safety tips and more important information in Keeping Yourself Safe.
Date: Wednesday, April 1, 2015, at 1:15 am
Location: Main Street and Parkview Avenue, in Bexley
Incident: Reported Armed Robbery
Bexley Police are investigating a reported armed robbery that took place at an ATM in front of the Rusty Bucket near Capital University's Bexley campus.
According to police, the victim reported he was robbed by two men at the ATM in front of Rusty Bucket, located at 2158 E. Main Street in Bexley. One suspect carried a small gun and used it to hit the victim across the face before fleeing in a gold Honda with a dent on the front passenger side, police said. The vehicle headed west on Main Street and north on Nelson Road, away from Capital.
According to police, the victim described the first suspect as a black male, 30 to 40 years old, with short hair and wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt, black hat and jeans, and answering to the name Man. The other suspect was described as a black male, 20 to 30 years old, about 5 feet 8 inches tall with short, tight hair, wearing a gray T-shirt and jeans, and answering to the name D.
No one was seriously injured, and no Capital students are believed to be involved.
Date: Tuesday, February 24, 2015, at 11:13 am
Location: Mound Street near The Capital Center, Bexley Campus
Incident: Reported Armed Robbery
Capital University Police are investigating the reported armed robbery of four students near The Capital Center, located at the corner of Pleasant Ridge Avenue and Mound Street on the Bexley campus.
The initial call to police came in as a reported fight at 11:13 am Tuesday, February 24. Police are now investigating the incident as an armed robbery. According to police, four students had just left a campus residence hall on their way to The Capital Center when they were approached by two males. One male reportedly punched a student, and the other suspect showed a handgun. The suspects took the students' wallets, ran and fled campus in a black car.
Suspects are described as African American males between 5 foot 10 and 6 foot 1 wearing dark clothing described as a gray sweatshirt, dark green bandana and a knit cap. No additional information is available at this time. The investigation continues, though police gave the "all clear" at 11:49 am.
The suspects were not located. Please continue to use caution and be aware of your surroundings.
If you have any information regarding this or any other campus safety matter, please contact Capital University Police at 614-236-6666. You also will find resources and tips on how to keep yourself safe on our Campus safety webpage at www.capital.edu/campus-safety.
Date: Friday, February 20, 2015
Location: Capital University, Bexley Campus
Incident: Voyeurism Investigation
Capital University’s Public Safety department, in collaboration with other area law enforcement agencies, is investigating incidents in which a male student used a mobile phone to secretly take photographs of other male students in University bathrooms. The suspect has been identified, suspended and removed from the University. If you have information that may be relevant to the investigation, or any other campus safety matter, please contact Public Safety at 614-236-6666.
Capital is committed to creating and maintaining an educational environment free from all forms of sex discrimination, including sexual misconduct. Sexual exploitation, defined as taking non-consensual, unjust or abusive sexual advantage of another, is specifically prohibited. Examples include, but are not limited to, non-consensual photographing, videotaping or audiotaping of sexual and other private activities, and engaging in non-consensual voyeurism. These acts have a real impact on the lives of victims. They not only violate a person’s feelings of trust and safety, but they can also substantially interfere with a student’s education.
The University offers a variety of resources for students concerned about sexual misconduct:
- Center for Health and Wellness (614-236-6114)
- Dean of Students (614-236-6367)
- Public Safety (614-236-6666)
These offices can be contacted for information on sexual misconduct, to provide support to victims, or to report incidents of misconduct. The University prohibits retaliation against individuals who file a complaint of sexual misconduct, act as a witness, or participate in a sexual misconduct proceedings.
Date: Tuesday, January 27, 2015, at 1:47 am
Location: Capital University Residence Hall
Incident: Reported Abduction
Update (5:20 pm)
As the investigation continues, police have ruled out a charge of abduction. The evidence does not support that the alleged victim was forced from the residence hall, into the car or off campus. No charges have been filed at this time.
Update (11:29 am)
Bexley Police have arrested the four individuals, and they have been banned from Capital's campus. Their identities are not yet available. If you have any information regarding this matter, please call Bexley Police at 614-239-8881. If you have information regarding other campus safety matters, please call Capital Police at 614-236-6666. Remember these safety tips and resources for keeping yourself safe.
Original post (10:30 am)
Capital University is cooperating with Bexley Police in an ongoing investigation regarding a reported abduction. At approximately 10:30 am Tuesday, January 27, Bexley Police detained for questioning several Capital students as persons of interest. They remain with police, but no arrests have been made at this time.
According to police, the victim, a male non-Capital student, reported he was taken from a Capital University residence hall early Tuesday morning by four male students, forced into a nearby black two-door car and later released. No additional information is being released at this time, but this bulletin post will be updated as the investigation continues. No CapAlert was issued because it was a contained incident.
Bexley Police are investigating an assault reported near the intersection of Drexel and Fair avenues in the area of Capital's Bexley campus. According to police, a male was approached by three male juveniles who reportedly punched him in the face twice before fleeing east on Fair Avenue. The suspects may have fled in a silver Dodge or Chrysler sedan. According to police, the victim described the suspects as juvenile black males, one who wore a blue hooded sweatshirt and black sweatpants and another who wore a gray sweatshirt and black sweatpants. No arrests have been made, and the suspects are believed to have left the area. The incident remains under investigation. No Capital students are believed to be involved. If you have any information regarding this or any other crime, please call Public Safety at 614-236-6666.
Date: Wednesday, January 21, 2015, at approximately 8:17 pm
Location: Drexel and Fair Avenues in Bexley
Incident: Reported Assault
Date: Thursday, November 20, just after 8:45 pm
Location: Various locations along Main Street between Kroger and Christ Lutheran Church
Incident: Reported Aggravated Robbery
Police have arrested a juvenile on a charge of aggravated robbery following a report of armed robbery at Kroger on Main Street at approximately 8:45 pm Thursday, November 20.
According to police the juvenile robbed a mother and her daughter at Kroger. The mother chased the suspect, who reportedly was armed and wearing a ski mask, across Main Street and past the bridge over Alum Creek to the parking lot near Capital Commons.
Columbus police responded and were assisted in the search by Capital police. The suspect was spotted at the bus stop on Main Street, near the woods by Capital Commons, and then again running east along Main Street. He eventually was apprehended on the sidewalk outside of Christ Lutheran Church.
Police recovered the weapon at the bus stop, where the suspected had been spotted. According to police the weapon turned out to be an Airsoft air gun. Neither the victims nor the suspect are connected to Capital.
Date: Friday, October 17, at approximately 1 am
Location: Residence Hall on Capital University's Bexley Campus
Incident: Reported Sexual Assault
Capital University and Bexley police responded to a report of sexual assault at approximately 1 am Friday, October 17. According to police, a student reported the assault to a residence hall area director, who notified Capital Police. The incident took place in a residence hall on Capital's campus. Police located and detained a suspect shortly thereafter, alleviating any immediate threat to the health and safety of the campus community. Both individuals are Capital students. The investigation is ongoing. No arrest has been made at this time.
If you have information about this or other campus safety issues, please contact Capital police at 614-236-6666.
Date: Friday, October 3, 2014, at approximately 7:34 pm
Location: Incident reported at Capital University Law School, 303 E. Broad St.
Incident: Reported Attempted Sexual Assault
Columbus Police are investigating a report of an attempted sexual assault from Friday, October 3. According to the report, a woman approached the security station at the law school parking lot and reported an attempted rape to law school security and the Special Improvement District security officers. Columbus Police also responded and are investigating. The reporting victim is not a Capital student or employee. It is unclear at this time where the incident occurred. The investigation continues and the University will provide additional information as it becomes available.
Date: Friday, August 29, 2014, at approximately 11:15 pm
Location: 900 block of Euclaire Ave., in Bexley
Incident: Reported Armed robbery
Bexley police are searching the area for two suspects in an armed robbery reported Friday night, August 29, in the 900 block of Euclaire Avenue near Capital University's Bexley campus. The suspects are described as white males. According to initial reports, one of the men was armed with a gun. No injuries were reported, and at this time it appears neither victim is connected to Capital. No additional descriptions or information are available at this time. The investigation continues.
If you have any information regarding this or any other safety matter, please contact Capital police at 614-236-6666 or Bexley police at 614-239-8881.
Date: Saturday, August 2, 2014, approximately 10 pm
Location: Congregation Torat Emet, located at 2375 E Main St, Columbus, OH 43209, in Bexley
Incident: Reported Armed Robbery, Assault
Update: Police gave the "all clear" at 11:21 pm Saturday. The suspect has not been found, and no arrest has been made. Please continue to use caution.
Bexley police are investigating a reported armed robbery near the Bexley campus at approximately 10 pm Saturday, August 2. According to police, a male at the synagogue was approached by a suspect who tried to rob him as he approached his car. A struggle ensued, and the suspect, who reportedly was armed with a knife, fled toward Bernlohr Stadium. The victim reportedly was cut on the face during the struggle. According to police, the suspect was last seen heading toward Francis Avenue, where police continue to search. The suspect is described as an African American male in his 20s wearing a white sweatshirt, possibly with short sleeves.
No additional information is available at this time. If you have information about this or other campus safety issues, please contact Capital police at 614-236-6666 or Bexley police at 614-239-8881.
Date: Thursday, July 24, 2014, at approximately 11:30 am
Location: CVS, located at 2532 E Main St., Columbus, OH
Incident: Reported Bomb Threat
Capital police were notified of a reported bomb threat at CVS Pharmacy, located at 2532 E Main St., in Bexley, several blocks east of campus. The call came in about 11:30 am, Thursday, July 24, and the CapAlert emergency notification system was launched within minutes.
Bexley police are investigating and have found the threat was a hoax. The suspect reportedly called the business a second time while investigators were on the scene and demanded money. No bomb was found. No other other information is available at this time, and the incident remains under investigation.
Date: Thursday, June 19, 2014, approximately 3:45 pm
Location: University Bookstore and Yochum Hall
Incident: Reported Suspicious Persons
Bexley and Capital police arrested three individuals on felony drug charges at about 3:45 pm Thursday, June 19, in the parking lot behind Yochum Hall, located on Capital University’s Bexley campus. Capital police received a report of suspicious persons in the university bookstore. When police responded, the suspects reportedly fled in a vehicle. Capital called Bexley police for backup, and the suspects were detained in the parking lot behind Yochum Hall. The vehicle was searched, and narcotics were found, according to police. The suspects were arrested.
They were identified as Patrick Fox, 34, of Barker Hill Road, Columbus; Michael E. Fox, 28, of South Columbus St. in Lancaster; and Drake Mathew Thomas, 27, of Chapel Stone Road, Blacklick. None is affiliated with Capital University.
Date: Sunday, May 4, 2014, between 5 and 7 pm
Location: Sheridan Avenue student housing and nearby parking, 700 block of Sheridan Avenue.
Incidents: Reported Burglary and theft from vehicle
Capital University and Bexley police departments are investigating several thefts from homes and vehicles in the area. Two incidents were reported Sunday, May 4, at Sheridan Avenue student housing. An arrest has been made in connection with one incident. According to police, Marcus A. Rowe, 31, of Columbus, was arrested on a charge of burglary in connection with an alleged burglary reported Sunday at Sheridan Avenue student housing, located in the 700 block of Sheridan Avenue.
According to the incident report, a student reported someone entered an unlocked apartment around 5 pm and stole a flat-screen TV, Xbox 360 and controllers for the game system. Losses were valued at approximately $325. No one was home at the time of the reported incident, and no one was injured.
Police are still investigating a second incident reported in the same area at about the time. According to a second police report, a student called Capital police after discovering someone entered his unlocked vehicle parked at Sheridan Avenue student housing and stole his iPod from the glove box. The theft occurred sometime between 5 and 7 pm Sunday, May 4. The loss is valued at approximately $200. The incident remains under investigation.
Remember to follow these tips to protect yourself and your property from crimes of opportunity.
Protect Your Property
- Keep doors and windows locked at all times. This applies to residence hall rooms, houses, apartments and vehicles.
- If you live in a building with multiple apartments, talk to your neighbors about making sure everyone keeps the building doors closed and locked at all times.
- Report defective campus locks on windows and doors immediately to the Office of Facilities Management at 614-236-6400.
- When entering a locked residence hall or campus building, make sure the door closes behind you completely.
- Do not let strangers follow you into residence halls. It's tempting to be polite and hold the door open for someone. But if you don't know them, or if they look out of place, direct them to the Department of Public Safety.
- If you notice suspicious activity, immediately contact campus police by using EyeWitness, or by calling 236-6666. Try to give a description. If a vehicle is involved, try to get the license plate number.
- Keep your vehicle locked and the windows rolled up tightly when you’re away from it.
- Never leave your vehicle running while unattended.
- Packages, purses, luggage, books, back pack, iPods, laptops and other valuables should be locked in a vehicle's trunk or taken to your room or office.
- Stereo and GPS equipment 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 and remotes for garage door openers 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.
EyeWitness Crime Reporting System
Crime prevention at Capital University requires widespread involvement for it to succeed. Capital University recently added a new crime-prevention tool, called EyeWitness. EyeWitness is a free text-message crime reporting system connected directly to Capital University Police Dispatch. Standard text messaging rates apply, but there is no cost to use the system. Any time, day or night, you can use EyeWitness to text a crime tip or report suspicious activity to campus police. Here's how:
- Create a new contact on your mobile phone (“Capital EyeWitness,” for example) and enter the number 67283. Make it a Favorite for easy access if you want to.
- When sending a text message, start your message with "CUPD" and a space.
- After the space, type your text message.
- Hit "send" to send your text message directly to Capital police.
- Capital police may text back with a follow-up question to get more information.
You don't have to be on campus for it to work. Even if you live off campus and in Bexley, your crime tip will be shared with the appropriate police department. If you have any questions about EyeWitness and how it works, please call Capital police at 614-236-6666.
Date: Friday, April 11, 2014, about 3:20 pm
Location: In the area of Plymouth and Dawson avenues, in Bexley
Incident: Reported Suspicious Person/Vehicle
Bexley Police received a call about a suspicious person and vehicle in the area of Plymouth Avenue and Dawson avenues, in Central Bexley, north of Capital's campus. According to police, the caller reported that a heavyset black male, possibly in his 30s, driving a light green Kia with the license plate number of FBF5543, stopped and asked her for directions. The caller stated that she noticed that the male was committing a lewd act inside the vehicle as he spoke to her. Officers responded to the area within minutes, but did not find the vehicle. If you see a vehicle matching this description, call Bexley Police at 614-559-4444 or Capital Police at 614-236-6666.
You can also text a crime tip to Capital Police using EyeWitness, a free text-message crime reporting system connected directly to Capital University Police Dispatch. Standard text messaging rates apply, but there is no cost to use the system. Any time, day or night, you can use EyeWitness to text a crime tip to campus police. Here's how:
- Create a new contact on your mobile phone (Capital EyeWitness, for example) and enter the number 67283. Make it a Favorite for easy access if you want to.
- When sending a text message, start your message with "CUPD" and a space.
- After the space, type your text message.
- Hit "send" to send your text message directly to Capital police.
- Capital police may text back with a follow-up question to get more information.
You don't have to be on campus for it to work. Even if you live off campus and in Bexley, your crime tip will be shared with the appropriate police department.
Date: January 23, 2014, 9:08 pm
Location: Stanwood Road and Delmar Avenue, in North Bexley
Incident: Homicide Investigation
Bexley Police are investigating the shooting death of Rudolph Edward-Anthony Calmese Jr., of Columbus. On Monday, January 23, at about 9 pm, Bexley and Columbus police responded to a call about a shooting near the intersection of North Stanwood Road and Delmar Avenue on the far north side of Bexley. Calmese was identified as the victim and taken to Grant Medical Center, where he died at 5:25 am Tuesday, January 24.
The investigation continues. Anyone with information regarding this crime should call Bexley Police Department at 614-559-4444. Anyone with information about campus crime and safety should call Capital police at 236-6666.
Date: Thursday, January 9, 2014, 6 am
Location: Harry C. Moores Student Union
Incident: Water Main Break
A major water main break in the Harry C. Moores Student Union has closed the southeast entrance and southeast portion of the first floor. The southeast entrance is near the tennis courts.
The Office of Facilities Management is working to repair damage to offices damaged by water. The building will remain open for dining and other activities, but please avoid the southeast side of the first floor.
Outdoor Safety
When the weather is extremely cold, and especially if there are high winds, try to stay indoors. Make any trips outside as brief as possible, and remember these tips below to protect your health and safety.
Dress Warmly and Stay Dry
Adults and children should wear:
- a hat
- a scarf or knit mask to cover face and mouth
- sleeves that are snug at the wrist
- mittens (they are warmer than gloves)
- water-resistant coat and boots
- several layers of loose-fitting clothing
Be sure the outer layer of your clothing is tightly woven, preferably wind resistant, to reduce body-heat loss caused by wind. Wool, silk, or polypropylene inner layers of clothing will hold more body heat than cotton. Stay dry—wet clothing chills the body rapidly. Excess perspiration will increase heat loss, so remove extra layers of clothing whenever you feel too warm. Also, avoid getting gasoline or alcohol on your skin while de-icing and fueling your car or using a snow blower. These materials in contact with the skin greatly increase heat loss from the body. Do not ignore shivering. It’s an important first sign that the body is losing heat. Persistent shivering is a signal to return indoors.
Avoid Frostbite and Hypothermia
When exposed to cold temperatures, your body begins to lose heat faster than it can be produced. Prolonged exposure to cold will eventually use up your body’s stored energy. The result is hypothermia, or abnormally low body temperature. Body temperature that is too low affects the brain, making the victim unable to think clearly or move well. This makes hypothermia particularly dangerous because a person may not know it is happening and won’t be able to do anything about it.
Hypothermia is most likely at very cold temperatures, but it can occur even at cool temperatures (above 40°F) if a person becomes chilled from rain, sweat or submersion in cold water.
Frostbite is an injury to the body that is caused by freezing. Frostbite causes a loss of feeling and color in affected areas. It most often affects the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, or toes. Frostbite can permanently damage the body, and severe cases can lead to amputation. The risk of frostbite is increased in people with reduced blood circulation and among people who are not dressed properly for extremely cold temperatures.
Avoid Exertion
Cold weather puts an extra strain on the heart. If you have heart disease or high blood pressure, follow your doctor’s advice about shoveling snow or performing other hard work in the cold. Otherwise, if you have to do heavy outdoor chores, dress warmly and work slowly. Remember, your body is already working hard just to stay warm, so don’t overdo it.
Understand Wind Chill
The Wind Chill index is the temperature your body feels when the air temperature is combined with the wind speed. It is based on the rate of heat loss from exposed skin caused by the effects of wind and cold. As the speed of the wind increases, it can carry heat away from your body much more quickly, causing skin temperature to drop. When there are high winds, serious weather-related health problems are more likely, even when temperatures are only cool.Recognizing Frostbite
At the first signs of redness or pain in any skin area, get out of the cold or protect any exposed skin—frostbite may be beginning. Any of the following signs may indicate frostbite:
- a white or grayish-yellow skin area
- skin that feels unusually firm or waxy
- numbness
A victim is often unaware of frostbite until someone else points it out because the frozen tissues are numb.
What to Do
If you detect symptoms of frostbite, seek medical care. Because frostbite and hypothermia both result from exposure, first determine whether the victim also shows signs of hypothermia. Hypothermia is a more serious medical condition and requires emergency medical assistance.
If (1) there is frostbite but no sign of hypothermia and (2) immediate medical care is not available, proceed as follows:
- Get into a warm room as soon as possible.
- Unless absolutely necessary, do not walk on frostbitten feet or toes—this increases the damage.
- Immerse the affected area in warm—not hot—water (the temperature should be comfortable to the touch for unaffected parts of the body).
- Or, warm the affected area using body heat. For example, the heat of an armpit can be used to warm frostbitten fingers.
- Do not rub the frostbitten area with snow or massage it at all. This can cause more damage.
- Don’t use a heating pad, heat lamp, or the heat of a stove, fireplace, or radiator for warming. Affected areas are numb and can be easily burned.
These procedures are not substitutes for proper medical care. Hypothermia is a medical emergency and frostbite should be evaluated by a health care provider. It is a good idea to take a first aid and emergency resuscitation (CPR) course to prepare for cold-weather health problems. Knowing what to do is an important part of protecting your health and the health of others.
Taking preventive action is your best defense against having to deal with extreme cold-weather conditions. By preparing your home and car in advance for winter emergencies, and by observing safety precautions during times of extremely cold weather, you can reduce the risk of weather-related health problems.