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UPDATE: Suspects identified, WVU issues Campus Warning after report of arson at Mountainlair

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UPDATE: Monday, Nov. 15

University Police identified two juvenile suspects over the weekend and the department is working with prosecutors on charges for the teenage girls (not WVU students) related to Friday’s reported arson at the Mountainlair.

ORIGINAL: Friday, Nov. 12

West Virginia University Police issued a Campus Warning at 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 12, after officers received a report of an arson on campus earlier in the afternoon.

The Morgantown Fire Department responded to a fire shortly after 4 p.m. that appears to have been set near an upstairs doorway in the Mountainlair. The fire caused damage to a bench and the surrounding flooring.

Students and employees are encouraged to be vigilant.

Officers are actively reviewing information as they work to locate the suspect(s). Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call 304-293-COPS (2677) or visit the department at 992 Elmer Prince Drive, Morgantown, 26505. Information may be shared anonymously.

WVU is committed to providing a safe campus for the protection of the University community. The following safety tips are designed to help avoid potential crime.  

Safety Tips and Resources:

·      Be aware of the location of fire extinguishers, fire alarms, and emergency exits within your residence halls and academic buildings.

·      If you see smoke, remember to stop, drop, and roll.

·      Exit buildings in a calm, orderly fashion as to not cause trampling and logjams at exit points.

·      Anyone who believes they are in danger should immediately call 911.

·      If you witness a potentially dangerous situation or a crime, call 911 or UPD at 304-293-3136.

·      Download WVU’s LiveSafe app.

·      If you encounter an emergency situation on campus, utilize the blue light emergency call system if available.

·      Visit safety.wvu.edu for additional resources and information.

·      Sign up or monitor your WVU Alert account.

·      Learn more about WVU’s emergency messaging system.

·      In addition to the WVU Alert system, emergency messages are posted to the @WVUalert Twitter and WVU Safety and Wellness Facebook page. Students and employees are encouraged to follow these social media accounts, as well as the @WVUsafety Twitter, to get updates about incidents.

Additional Resources:

·      Morgantown Fire Department – 911 | 304-284-7480

·      WVU CARE Team

·      WVU Carruth Center – 304-293-4431

·      WVU Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion – 304-293-5600

·      WVU Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities – 304-293-8111

·      WVU Faculty-Staff Assistance Program – 304-293-5590

·      WVU Office of Campus and Community Life – 304-293-5611

·      WVU Student Health Service – 304-285-7200

·      WVU Division of Student Life – 304-293-5811

This Campus Warning is made pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act.

-WVU-

11/12/21

CONTACT: April Kaull, Executive Director of Communications
University Relations
304-293-3990; akaull@mail.wvu.edu

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