On December 24th, 2013, the University of Maryland Police Department and our Criminal Investigation Unit are pleased to announce an additional arrest relating to the November 9th, 2013, robbery that occurred behind the View Apartments. Christopher Ray Gutierrez was taken into custody on December 23rd, 2013 and is being charged with robbery, theft less than $1000, conspiracy to commit robbery and assault.

On Saturday, December 14th, 2013, officers from the University of Maryland Police Department (UMPD) and other agencies participated in Shop with a Cop. Officers picked up children from a local school and went shopping. The children were given rides in the officer’s vehicle with lights and sirens on while they made their way to the mall. Once there, officers shopped with the children for gifts and ate lunch together. UMPD would like to thank The Maryland Association of School Resource Officers for orchestrating the 9th annual Operation Santa with a Badge Program. Pringe George's Park Police Officer Cpl. Savoy and UMPD Officer's MPO Santana and Sgt. Kenner get ready for Shop with a Cop. ###

Dear University of Maryland Community, As finals come to an end and the winter break approaches, the University of Maryland Police Department would like provide some safety tips and crime prevention tools. We hope this information serves as a reminder of what you can do to reduce your chance of becoming a victim of a crime and to help you remain safe during the winter break. If you will be home or at your UMD residence this winter break here are some tips to help you stay safe this season:

On December 18, 2013, University of Maryland Police Criminal Investigations Unit and the Office of the University Fire Marshal have reviewed camera footage and have ruled the Testudo fire to be accidental. The cause of the fire was due to a lamp shade being place over a lit candle. There was no damage to Testudo and no injuries reported. ### On December 18, 2013 at approximately 1am, a Student Police Aide reported a small fire in front of McKeldin Library. Officers responded and, upon arrival, found that offerings to Testudo, such as notes and books, were set fire on top of the statue. The fire had been extinguished prior to the officer's arrival. There is no damage to the statue itself. Facilities Management was notified to clean up the burnt debris. Malicious intent has not been ruled out and the case is under investigation. It is a tradition that students will leave momentos for Testudo, including candles, books, notes and other personal items. Updates will be posted here when available.

The University of Maryland Police Department (UMPD) would like to thank those who came out to the game on Saturday, December 14th, 2013 and donated a new unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots. UMPD, Prince George's County Police, and UMD Athletics collected 120 toys during the men's basketball game. Happy Holidays!!! ###

The University of Maryland College Park is closed today, Tuesday, December 10, 2013. If the University remains closed on Wednesday, we will issue a UMD Information Advisory. Please monitor www.umd.edu or call 301-405-SNOW for the University's status on Wednesday. Stay Safe!

Winter Weather Advisory for this Weekend The National Weather Service is forecasting a chance of rain, freezing rain, sleet, and snow for College Park, Maryland through Monday evening. There is little to no snow accumulation expected. Keep in mind with the expected heavy rainfall, potential snow, and ice, traffic delays may occur. Please plan accordingly when committing and traveling. If the University closes due to weather conditions, the campus community will be notified through the UMD Alerts system. You can also contact the snow hotline at 301-405-SNOW (7669) or watch the local news.

Dear University of Maryland Community, The University of Maryland Police Department would like to take this time and inform you of some holiday travel and safety tips. When traveling always check with the local news channel, news sites, and/or radio stations for current and up to date information regarding travel and weather advisories. Take necessary precautions when encountering rain, freezing rain and/or snow during your travels. For those that will be traveling beginning tomorrow, the National Weather Service is forecasting a chance of rain, snow, and sleet before noon on November 26th, 2013, with the possibility of heavy rain at times and a high near 42 degrees. There is little or no snow accumulation expected. Rain is likely to continue into Wednesday, with only slight chances of rain on Wednesday night. While this area is not expected to receive snow, for those who will be traveling north, chance of snow will increase. Keep in mind with the expected heavy rain fall, traffic delays will occur. Please plan accordingly when traveling. Below are travel and safety tips:

On November 12th, 2013, an email was sent out to members of the University of Maryland Community in regards to a sexual assault that occurred in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Listed below is updated information regarding the incident from Montgomery County Police Department. On October 3rd, 2013, Montgomery County Police received information regarding a sexual assault that had occurred in Gaithersburg between the night of October 2nd and the morning of October 3rd. Investigation revealed that the victim had met the suspect at a bar, Looney’s, in College Park, Maryland. The suspect and victim then went to the suspect’s residence in Gaithersburg where the sexual assault occurred.

College Park, MD – On October 26th, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the University of Maryland Police Department (UMPD) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) participated in National Drug Take Back Day. Members of the community were provided an opportunity to dispose of any unwanted, unused, and expired prescription drugs from their homes at UMPD Headquarters. The service was free and anonymous, no questions asked. Last April, Americans turned in 371 tons (over 742,000 pounds) of prescription drugs at over 5,800 sites operated by the DEA and its thousands of state and local law enforcement partners. In its six previous Take Back events, DEA and its partners took in over 2.8 million pounds—more than 1,400 tons—of pills.