West Virginia University Police issued a Campus Warning on Friday (May 23) following a report of a burglary at 709 North High St. near the Downtown area of campus.
An individual broke a window, forced entry and was confronted by one occupant of the house, which is a recognized fraternity location.
The suspect, described as a white male approximately 5 feet 10 inches to 6 feet tall, with tattoos on his arms, hands and possibly neck fled the scene with a blanket.
Students and employees are encouraged to be vigilant. WVU Police officers have not identified the suspect at this time.
Shortly after the initial report, it was also discovered a vehicle in a nearby parking lot had attempted forced entry through a window.
Officers are actively investigating.
Residents in the area are encouraged to check their homes to ensure that all windows, doors, and other possible points of entry are secured properly and to report any suspicious behavior immediately.
If you have any information that would be helpful to the investigations, including surveillance footage, please call UPD at 304-293-3136 or visit the department at 992 Elmer Prince Drive. Information may be shared anonymously.
The following safety tips are designed to help avoid potential crime.
• Make sure to lock windows, doors and vehicles while you are away or not actively monitoring them.
• Always lock exterior doors. This includes your residence hall, apartment, house and car doors.
• Develop a routine to inspect locks on your doors, windows, and other applicable areas to ensure they are working effectively and 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.
Additional Resources:
• WVU Police Department — 911, 304-293-2677, 304-293-3136
• WVU CARE Team
• WVU Carruth Center — 304-293-4431
• WVU Division of Campus Engagement and Compliance— 304-293-5600
• WVU Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities — 304-293-8111
• WVU Faculty-Staff Assistance Program — 304-293-5590
• Rape and Domestic Violence Information Center — 304-292-5100
• WVU Office of Campus and Community Life — 304-293-5611
• WVU Student Health — 304-285-7200
• WVU Division of Student Life — 304-293-5811
Health, safety, preparedness and training resources are posted at safety.wvu.edu and police.wvu.edu.
Students and employees are encouraged to follow the WVU Safety and Wellness Facebook page as well as @WVUsafety on X, and download the LiveSafe app and allow push notifications for the latest safety information.
A Campus Warning is part of the WVU three-tiered emergency notification system used to enhance student and employee safety and provide useful information to the community.
-WVU-
mm/5/23/25
MEDIA CONTACT: Shauna Johnson
Executive Director of Strategic Communications
WVU Strategic Communications and Marketing
304-293-8302; sjohns13@mail.wvu.edu
Call 1-855-WVU-NEWS for the latest West Virginia University news and information from WVUToday.