UMPD, DES, and PGFD Respond to an Incident at Oakland Hall
At approximately 8:49 a.m. this morning, the University of Maryland Police Department received a call regarding a possible explosion at Oakland Hall. The University of Maryland Police Department, University of Maryland Department of Environmental Safety and Prince George’s County Fire Department responded to the scene. Two University of Maryland Facilities Management employees were working on the roof of Oakland Hall when a small explosion occurred inside an HVAC boiler unit, due to a mechanical failure. This incident was an isolated event contained to the HVAC unit. The employees, who were performing a reset of the system with accordance to their procedures, suffered minor injuries and were taken to an area hospital for further evaluation. At this time, they have both been treated and released. Oakland Hall was scarcely occupied at the time, as most students have not returned to campus. Oakland Hall is currently open and there is no building damage as a result of the explosion. ###
UMPD and BSUDPS Welcomes New Officers to the Force
On January 10th, 2014, the University of Maryland Police Department (UMPD) and Bowie State University Department of Public Safety (BSUDPS) welcomed new editions to their police force. Pvt’s. Heath Koops, Andrew Ross, and Joshua Feldman were sworn-in by Chief David B. Mitchell and PFC Charles Quigley of BSUDPS, was sworn-in by Chief Ernest Waiters in front of family, friends, and members of the University community at the Inn and Conference Center. Vice President of Administration and Finance, Carlo Colella, was the key note speaker for today’s event. The new officers endure six months of training at UMPD's Police Academy that not only included classroom education, but drill and ceremony, firearms, emergency vehicle operations, first responder, defensive tactics, and physical training. UMPD would like to congratulate these officers on their accomplishments and the best of luck on your future endeavors. ###
UMPD and Allied Agencies Participate in Active Shooter Training Exercise
The University of Maryland Police Department (UMPD), University of Maryland Campus Recreation Services, Department of Environmental Safety (DES), Prince George's County Police Department (PGPD), and Prince George's County Fire Department (PGFD) participated in a active shooter training exercise on January 10th, 2014, at the Eppley Recreation Center (ERC) at the University of Maryland. Due to the recent relevancy of active shooter incidents across the nation, the University of Maryland is taking a proactive approach to discuss, test, and evaluate its plans, resources, and coordination. The purpose of the training exercise is to provide participants an opportunity to demonstrate the response plans, policies, and procedure for responding to an active shooter at the University of Maryland.
UMPD Detectives Make Arrests in Robbery by Force Incident
On January 8th, 2014, members of the Criminal Investigations Unit and Strategic Enforcement Response Team of the University of Maryland Police Department (UMPD) arrested and charged 3 male individuals that robbed a male UMD student. On December 21st, 2013, at approximately 3:33 a.m., UMPD’S Security Operations Center notified UMPD officers of a fight that was occurring in lot 11b. Once on scene, officers stopped and identified 3 males, who denied any involvement in the incident. While on scene with the officers, the victim, a male UMD student, was adamant that nothing had occurred and was transported to a nearby area hospital for injuries that he sustained from the altercation. It was later determined by the victim that his property was taken during the altercation and the 3 male individuals that were stopped by police were identified as the assailants.
UMPD Assists PGPD with Apprehension Following Pursuit
On January 4, 2014 at approximately 4:15 PM, the Prince Georges County Police were pursuing a vehicle which drove onto the UMD College Park campus. The vehicle crashed into wooden bollards near the Eppley Recreation Center at which time the driver of the pursued vehicle was apprehended by a PGPD officer. The other occupant of the vehicle fled on foot. Security Monitors working at the UMPD Security Operations Center tracked the fleeing person on camera and informed UMPD officers of the person's location. UMPD officers responded to the location provided by the SOC Security Monitor and apprehended the suspect, who was turned over to PGPD's custody. Due to the quick action by our SOC staff and responding officers, the fleeing suspect was quickly apprehended. Additional information, when available may be found at http://pgpolice.blogspot.com/.
UMPD detectives make arrests in robbery case
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.
Off-Campus UMD Safety Notice
Please visit http://www.umpd.umd.edu/crime_alert_offcampus_detail.cfm?id=730 for information regarding an off-campus burglary that occurred on 12/23/13. Prince George’s County Police Department is the primary reporting agency and is conducting the investigation. ###
Winter Break Safety Tips
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:
UMPD participated in Operation Santa With a Badge
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. ###
Testudo Fire
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.