Two teenage suspects from the Rochester area were arrested Friday evening in connection with several thefts from River Campus residence halls, according to UR Security Investigator Daniel Lafferty.
An undergraduate student tipped off officers after seeing the individuals leave her room in Burton Hall with her property. One suspect told the student he had permission to borrow a computer; however, the student recognized the property as hers.
The suspects subsequently fled the scene and responding security officers stopped them at a pedestrian footbridge.
One suspect then fled, and after a short chase, security and police officers took both suspects into custody.
An on-scene search uncovered two stolen laptop computers in construction storage boxes near the bridge. These laptops were identified as belonging to Gilbert Hall residents. Officers found further evidence that connected the suspects to thefts in Gilbert Hall that same night.
Investigators are continuing their investigation to determine whether the individuals are connected to burglaries in Tiernan Hall. The suspects received charges on counts of burglary and grand larceny. Additional charges against the suspects may follow.
Suspect on stolen bicycle leads a pursuit
On Sunday, Sept. 28, security officers pursued a suspect they believe is connected to a bicycle theft outside the Interfaith Chapel.
An officer monitoring a closed-circuit television observed an individual with a cut cable lock riding a bicycle down Wilson Boulevard near the Interfaith Chapel.
According to Lafferty, the suspect attempted to change his direction when he saw officers responding to the scene.
Officers tried stopping the suspect outside Gilbert Hall but the suspect continued onto campus grounds. Security and police officers searched the area but did not locate the suspect.
The next day a student reported his bicycle stolen. The student identified the bicycle the suspect rode as his bicycle by viewing a photograph. Police reports have been filed.
Suspect strikes Gleason thrice
Three students reported their property stolen in Gleason Library on Thursday, Sept. 25. The incidents occurred at three different times, at approximately 2 p.m., 5:35 p.m. and 6 p.m., according to Lafferty.
The items stolen included two book bags with personal items inside, including a camera, wallet, credit cards, a passport and an iPod. Library staff recovered a few of these items and returned them to the appropriate owner the following day. A video showed an individual who was in the vicinity during all three thefts. Library staff has seen this individual in Rush Rhees Library on previous occasions.
Police reports have been filed and investigators will continue their attempt to identify the suspected individual.
Information provided by UR Security.
Leber is a member of the class of 2011.
