Rochester resident Eddie Gantt was arrested at 10 a.m. Friday, April 6 for burglary and grand larceny, following a report by students and staff at the Eastman School of Music of a suspicious person in the area.
A UR Security officer who responded to the report found Gantt fleeing the Eastman Living Center, Security Investigator Dan Lafferty said.
The officer pursued the man on foot. While he was running away, Gantt attempted to discard a wallet he had, which was recovered by officers.
The chase ended with Gantt being taken into custody by officers and he was later turned over to the Rochester Police Department for arrest.
Officers found that the discarded wallet belonged to a student who had his wallet stolen from his room while he was in the shower.
He told officers that the wallet had contained at least one credit card, about $35 in cash, and a check. The credit card and check were recovered when Gantt was searched.
In the investigation, officers found that Gantt had used a false name to sign in at UR Facilities under the pretense that he had an appointment with Dining Services. He then followed a student through the security doors into the dormitory and took the elevator upstairs.
Two other students reported that he tried to enter their rooms until he discovered they were at home, at which point he quickly exited.
Gantt has a history of arrests at the university. His case is currently pending adjudication in the Rochester City Court.
Lafferty credits the ?successful resolution of this case? to the ?students? and staff?s recognition that the suspect did not belong in the area and their rapid notification of security.
Senior class T-shirts stolen
Sometime between Tuesday, March 27 and Wednesday, April 4, someone stole $1,580 worth of senior class T-shirts from the Senior Class Council office in Wilson Commons. The area was secured and officers found no signs of forced entry. The council intends to file a report with RPD at a later date.
Porn found on student?s door
A student residing in the Susan B. Anthony Residence Halls reported that sometime prior to 2:45 a.m. Sunday, April 8, someone placed pornographic material on their room door which they found offensive.
The student told officers there had been others in the area when he returned to his room and discovered the items on his door who he believes may be responsible.
The student expressed his belief that this was done in retaliation for his association with an organization on campus, Lafferty said. The offensive materials were removed and the victim was offered but refused police notification.
