Community Safety Alerts

SJSUPD Case Numbers 09-01780 & 09-01849

San Jose State University is offering a $1,000.00 reward to anyone with information related to the Joe West Hall fires which leads to an arrest of any suspect(s) at large.

The San Jose Fire Department responded to Joe West Hall for two fires at approximately 9 a.m. Thursday, November 12 and again for another fire at approximately 2 a.m. Thursday, November 26th. All fires have been extinguished. On both occasions there were no major injuries and Joe West Hall's 500 residents were evacuated. The fire department cleared the building each time and reset the fire alarms. The fire department reopened the building to residents following each incident.

The San Jose State University Police Department has launched investigations for both incidents. Each fire is considered suspicious in nature. It is not known if the incidents are related. Investigators are seeking assistance from the public. We ask that anyone with information related to the fires contact the
University Police Department at 408-924-2222. To make an anonymous report, call 408-924-2236 or utilize the on-line confidential reporting.

On Monday, December 14, 2009, at 7:51 a.m., a female student was accosted as she was walking out of the north stairwell of the 4th Street Garage. The suspect was standing by the newspaper rack at the bottom of the stairwell when he grabbed the victim around her neck from behind. When the victim screamed he let go and ran into the first floor of the 4th Street Garage. The victim flagged down a UPD officer and an extensive search of the garage was conducted. The suspect has not been located.

The suspect is described as a white male in his twenties, 5'10" tall with a medium build. He was last seen wearing all black clothing and a black beanie cap. According to the victim, the suspect appeared to be a student but was not carrying a bag or any books.

The University Police Department would like to remind the campus community to be constantly aware of your surroundings. When possible, walk with another person and report suspicious activity immediately. Anyone with information about this incident should contact the University Police Department at (408) 924-2222 or leave an anonymous tip at (408) 924-2236.

On Saturday, February 14th, 2009 at 10:23 PM, a strong-arm robbery occurred on the south side of Dwight Bentel Hall. The victim was walking by himself and was attacked by three suspects without provocation. Two of the suspects were described as Black male adults wearing hooded sweatshirts, the third suspect was not identified. The suspects punched and kicked the victim then stole his wallet. Two suspects fled on foot while the third fled on a bicycle towards San Fernando Street. The suspects have not been apprehended. Anyone with information regarding this robbery should contact UPD immediately at the numbers listed below.

UPD would like to remind the campus community of the following safety tips to avoid becoming a victim of a crime:

• Be aware of your surroundings and report suspicious persons or activity immediately.
• Keep valuables out of view and secure on your person so you are not targeted by thieves.
• Avoid walking alone after dark. Walk with a friend or a group.
• Use the UPD Escort Service after dark by calling 924-2222, 4-2222 on any campus phone or use any Blue Light Phone.

For more safety tips visit www.sjsupd.com and click on "Crime Prevention".

San Jose State University Police Department
(408) 924-2222