Community Members Lend Eyes and Ears to Keep Campus Safe

May 5, 2008

Monday, May 5, 2008 began as a typical day for Columbia University Shuttle Bus Driver Ruben Rojas. He was driving along his usual route when, suddenly, he received radio transmissions about Public Safety’s urgent pursuit of a male wanted for numerous burglaries and larcenies within the confines of the University. Without a moment’s thought, Ruben fled to the scene and helped capture the criminal, joining the list of community members who have been teaming with Columbia University Public Safety to help “take a bite out of crime.”

For Ruben, his adventure began once he realized that he was in close proximity to the officers’ pursuit. He began to canvass the area for signs of the fleeing suspect, with the intent of communicating information to Public Safety. Instead, while on Amsterdam Avenue, Ruben observed the suspect’s struggle with two security officers. Without any regard for his own personal safety, Ruben joined the officers in an attempt to help apprehend the man.

In addition to being wanted for numerous burglaries and larcenies, the suspect was a recidivist offender with a history of violence in eluding apprehension and, had in fact, been pursued and was involved in two altercations with Public Safety personnel within the past week. If not for Ruben’s timely and selfless intervention, the suspect may have inflicted injuries, escaped apprehension, and been able to victimize once again. Instead, he was taken into custody without injury to anyone and subsequently arrested and charged with several counts of burglary.

As a former medical technician, Ruben is used to having to step up to the plate. For those thinking of doing the same if given the opportunity, Ruben cautions, “Never endanger yourself. I wouldn’t recommend doing what I did, but if you see something, say something.”

Like Ruben, Columbia University Public Safety Security Officer Patrick Oakley and Facilities mechanic Derek Powell teamed up to apprehend a thief who had stolen various unattended property on campus, including a pocket book containing $660 in cash.

Thanks to an April 4, 2008 Public Safety crime alert, the two men were able to identify the thief on that same day. Patrick, who was patrolling the Morningside campus, spotted the man as he was sitting on the benches outside CEPSR. At first, Patrick was unsure if he had actually spotted the wanted man, since he appeared to be older than he looked in the photo. He made the decision to get a closer look. Knowing from a previous patrol around the building that food had been left out unattended, Patrick used this excuse to engage in a conversation with the man.

He says, “Since the conversation wasn’t suspicious, I was confident that it wouldn’t alarm him.” Once up close, he noticed that the man was wearing the same jeans with patterns as shown in the alert. He would approach the man once again about the food before his suspicions were confirmed. After leaving the man, he immediately hid out of view and radioed Public Safety.
 
At that same moment, Derek, who was on his way to his shop in CEPSR, also spotted the thief. “He was wearing the same black jacket, knapsack, and shades as in the alert. He looked suspicious and fidgety,” Derek says.

That’s when he and Patrick caught view of each other. The two signaled through eye contact what they would do next. Patrick continued his communication with Public Safety, while Derek kept an eye on the man so he wouldn’t get away. Public Safety officers soon arrived on scene and took the wanted man into custody. Without Derek and Patrick’s help, the thief would have gone unnoticed and been able to continue perpetrating his crimes.

As Derek said, “Columbia University has a great environment, and it is very important for us to maintain a safe campus. We need to get involved.” As community members, we are the “eyes and ears” that help keep our campus safe. Ruben, Patrick, and Derek have been instrumental in this work, and Columbia University and the University community would like to congratulate and thank them for a job well done!

Get Involved in Crime Prevention
You can actively participate in campus safety by reducing or eliminating opportunities that make you a target. To ensure your safety:

1. Safeguard your personal belongings. Do not leave your items unattended and unsecured.
2. Remain alert, even in places you’re most comfortable. Be aware of your surroundings while traveling throughout campus.
3. Take advantage of the Shuttle Bus and escort services when traveling at later hours.
4. Keep informed of criminal activities. You can do so by viewing Public Safety’s crime alerts at http://www.columbia.edu/cu/publicsafety/alerts.htm

For additional crime prevention tips and information, go to http://www.columbia.edu/cu/publicsafety/CrimeTips.htm

To report criminal or suspicious activities, contact Public Safety by calling (212) 854-5555 or 99 (on the Morningside Campus)

CU Public Safety Security Officer Patrick Oakley and Facilities Mechanic Derek Powell team up to apprehend a thief who was targeting unattended property on campus. Both were instrumental in identifying him from a Security Alert that was sent out by CU Public Safety on April 4th, 2008.