UPDATE: A suspect has been identified by VUPD and criminally charged in connection to the incident reported below.
On Sunday, July 22, at 11:43 a.m., a suspicious person, described as an unknown white male subject, was observed loitering in the area of Branscomb Quadrangle. The area is currently being used for a high school soccer camp. The suspect was believed to be wearing a camp T-shirt over his clothing and had changed into khaki shorts while in Branscomb. When asked by a soccer camp staff member to identify himself, the subject threatened the staff member with a plastic knife and fled to his car, which was parked behind the Baptist Student Union. When approached again by soccer camp staff members, the suspect pulled an unknown item from his vehicle, possibly a weapon, and pointed it at the staff members before fleeing the area in the vehicle.
Description: The subject was described as a white male, bald, approximately 28-35 years old, approximately 5’8″ and 185 pounds with a medium build. He was wearing a black T-shirt and blue jeans, but may may have changed into a white soccer camp T-shirt and khaki shorts. The suspect’s vehicle is believed to be a red Mitsubishi Eclipse with a black hood wired shut. Witnesses reported that the trunk was open with several items visible inside.
If you have information relating to this or a similar incident, please call the Vanderbilt University Police Department at (615) 322-2745. If you wish to remain anonymous, call Nashville Crime Stoppers at (615) 742-7463.
Risk Reduction Tips
- Scan the area before you exit or approach your building or vehicle and while you proceed between sites.
- Have your key ready in hand to quickly access the door of your vehicle or building.
- Don’t prop open doors, thwart security measures or let strangers in.
- If strangers approach, maintain a distance and be observant; if they are in a vehicle, get the license plate number.
- Stay alert and trust your instincts. If you feel uneasy, leave. Go to a safe location and notify VUPD.
- Know the location of emergency phones.
- Stay alert and plan ahead for “What if?” situations.
Please remember these on-campus resources:
- Psychological and Counseling Center, (615) 322-2571
- Employee Assistance Program, (615) 936-1327
Report suspicious persons, vehicles or activities immediately. In an emergency, dial 911 or use a blue light phone. From a cell phone, dial (615) 421-1911.
Contact: Vanderbilt University Police Department, (615) 322-2745