WVU Police issues Community Notice following 2 on-campus invasion of privacy reports

West Virginia University Police issued a Community Notice following two reports of a suspicious person entering private areas at Braxton Tower early Friday morning (Feb. 6).

University Police conducted foot patrols immediately after receiving separate reports around 12:50 a.m. and 1:55 a.m.when access to Braxton Tower requires WVU ID swipes at the entry door and elevators.

The person immediately fled the areas - at the door of an unlocked room and in a bathroom - once spotted. No one was hurt.

Officers are actively reviewing surveillance footage. The person wanted for questioning is described as a white male, 6 feet tall, wearing light gray sweatpants, a forest green hooded sweatshirt with writing on the back and slide-on shoes.

Anyone with information that would be helpful for investigators should contact UPD by phone at 304-293-3136 or 304-293-COPS (2677), or by using the LiveSafe app, which provides direct, two-way communication with UPD through text, photo, video and audio messaging.

"We're reminding our students to always be aware of their surroundings and make sure to check in with others about their locations," Chief Sherry St. Clairsaid. "Anything suspicious should be reported immediately."

The following safety tips are designed to help avoid potential crime.

• Always lock your doors. This includes your residence hall, apartment, house and car doors even if you are inside at the time or will be away for a short time period.
• Make sure to lock windows, other doors and vehicles while you are away or not actively monitoring them.
• At residence halls, do not sign in visitors you do not know.
• Develop a routine to inspect locks on your doors, windows and other applicable areas to ensure they are working effectively and are locked, especially at night.
• Do not leave spare keys in places accessible to others.
• If you lose your key or ID, report it immediately so locks can be changed and ID access suspended until a new ID has been issued.
• Anyone who believes they are in danger should immediately call 911.
• If you witness a potentially dangerous situation or a crime, call 911 or WVUPD.
• Download the WVU LiveSafe app.
• If you encounter an emergency situation on campus, utilize the blue light emergency call system, if available.

Safety, preparedness and training resources are posted at police.wvu.edu.

Students and employees are encouraged to follow the WVU Safety and Wellness Facebook page as well as @WVUsafety on X and @WVUsafetyofficialon Instagram, and download the LiveSafe app and allow push notifications for the latest safety information.

A Community Notice is part of the WVU three-tiered emergency notification system used to enhance student and employee safety and provide useful information to the community.

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MEDIA CONTACT: Shauna Johnson
Executive Director of Strategic Communications
WVU Strategic Communications and Marketing
304-293-8302; [email protected]

Call 1-855-WVU-NEWS for the latest West Virginia University news and information from WVUToday.