At 4:09 a.m., a Samuel Morris Hall resident called the Taylor police — someone from the outside removed their window screen and was attempting to crawl inside on Tuesday, Oct. 21.
Taylor Police Officer Dale Osborn arrived at 4:10 a.m.
He saw two individuals run away. The suspects’ identities are unknown. They looked to be in their teens or 20s, so he called in for back-up, Chief of Police Mike Spaulding said.
Upland law enforcement came, including the Grant County K9 unit. Spaulding said the canine tracked the individual’s scent for three blocks north of Sickler Hall before losing the scent. Spaulding informed the Taylor student body of the break-in.
He said Before the break-in, there had been a student scavenger hunt between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m.
“It could have been left over stuff from that (the scavenger hunt), people messing around,” Spaulding said. “But we don't know.”
It could have also been some kids from town, he said. The consequences for the individuals trying to break-in depend on whether they are students. If they aren’t students, Spaulding said they could go to jail.
“Thankfully, no students were harmed,” Spaulding said in an email to the student body. “And the investigation is ongoing.”
Spaulding asked people to share any information related to the incident with Taylor University Police. Since then, students have been emailing him, giving suggestions.
Safety is top priority, he said. To ensure safety, students should lock ground floor windows at all times. Anyone who knows of suspicious activity or individuals need to report to Taylor police.
“In an emergency or active situation, please call 911,” Spaulding said. “To reach the 24/7 non-emergency business line, call (765) 998-5555.”
