University Police Update
Published: September 17, 2024.
This morning a student reported suspicious activity in a vehicle near Flyer Stadium. LUPD units assisted by other local law enforcement agencies responded and made an initial assessment that the student had witnessed a car burglary in progress. The suspect pointed what was later determined to be an air soft pistol (a toy gun which shoots plastic pellets) at the student in an effort to scare her away. The suspect fled on foot. The air soft pistol was recovered by responding officers.
There is no indication at this time of threat to campus.
The suspect has not been located at this time. Officers from multiple agencies are conducting a search of the area on the south side of campus, south of the soccer practice fields. Please avoid the area until further notice.
Classes and offices will open as scheduled with no planned disruption.
If you observe anything suspicious, please contact LUPD at 815-836-5911 or dial 911.
This message is based on preliminary information. Further updates will follow as the on-going investigation continues.
UPDATE (10:30AM):
Following an exhaustive search of the area with the assistance of multiple local police agencies utilizing officers on foot, police canines, and unmanned ariel vehicles, the suspect in this incident is believed to have left the area. It was the consensus of all agencies involved during this investigation that there was no imminent risk to members of the Lewis community.
LUPD would like to thank the community for its cooperation with the response to this incident as well as the Romeoville Police Department, the Will County Sheriff's Police, and the Will County Forest Preserve Police Department for their quick response and willingness to provide resources. The investigation will continue and updates will be provided.
The safety of our community is our highest priority. Our police officers are on campus 24/7 to respond quickly to incidents. Working together, we all play a role in campus safety. Being alert, maintaining situational awareness, and reporting suspicious activity are excellent crime prevention strategies which allow all of us to participate in keeping our campus safe. Community members with information about this incident are encouraged to contact LUPD at 815-836-5222.
Resources and support for students impacted by this incident are available through the Student Wellness Center and through the TimelyCare app . Support for employees may be accessed through the Office of Human Resources and through Perspectives, the employee assistance program.
Lewis University is an innovative Catholic university offering market-relevant undergraduate and graduate programs to 6,500 students. Sponsored by the De La Salle Christian Brothers, Lewis University is nationally recognized for preparing intellectually engaged, ethically grounded, and globally-connected graduates who impact the world for the better. Visit www.lewisu.edu for further information.