Campus Safety Update

I am writing to update community members on an incident that took place earlier this afternoon on Georgia Ave. near the Wonder Plaza complex. While walking amongst a crowd of onlookers and witnesses, a student was robbed by three masked attackers who pulled up in a car, took his coat, and fled the scene in a matter of seconds. In the hours since this attack, DPS has apprehended two of the three suspects and are confident the third individual will be soon brought to justice.

On behalf of the officers who investigated and are working to soon close this case, I first to want to express our support of the student directly impacted by this attack, and all who attempted to help him in the moment. This student was doing what all Bison usually do on a Tuesday afternoon; walking in a highly-trafficked community area in the middle of the day when three bad actors decided that traffic and pedestrian cameras, witnesses, and broad daylight were not enough for them to deter or reconsider committing a heinous crime.

Because of the students who attempted to help him, those who have provided information to our investigators, and those who have expressed support publicly and privately for DPS and our campus safety culture, the student’s property has been returned.

In every sense of the word – our Bison did the right thing.

I hope all students and employees continue to make our safety practices second nature in their daily lives. Some tips are available here, but include:

• Download the Bison S.A.F.E. mobile security app for two-way communication with public safety.
• Be sure to charge and carry your Peace of Mind device. POM devices are available for registration and pick up at the Department of Public Safety, located on the second floor of the HU Service Center.
• Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
• Always report suspicious persons or activities immediately. Give a thorough physical description, including height, weight, hair or eye color, clothing, vehicle make, color, and tag information, if possible. The same is true if you are a victim of a crime.
• Trust your instincts! If you sense something is wrong, remove yourself from the situation immediately. Most crimes are opportunistic. If you decrease opportunities, you may decrease the chances of becoming a victim.
• Program the following number into your cell phone for quick access: (202) 806-1100.
• Use the Shuttle Service or HUDPS Safety Lift to avoid traveling on foot across campus after-hours.

I am grateful for the tireless spirit of the Bison community that works at every level to solve disparities that move individuals to make bad choices or commit illegal, criminal acts. DPS will continue working with the District of Columbia to combat criminal activity in our city.