Bulletins

In the interest of passing on information to members of the university community and making the campus a safer place to live, work, and go to school, the University Police Department will use this site to publish Public Safety Bulletins pertaining to recent crime information that is of interest to the university community. If there is a specific crime that is reported and considered to represent a threat to students and employees, that information will be posted here, e-mail messages will be sent to students and employees, and flyers will be posted at locations around campus.

If you have specific questions or information about these or any other crimes, please contact Community Services Sergeant Bill Brinkley at 660-543-4820 or by e-mail at brinkley@ucmo.edu. Your questions will be answered promptly. If you would like to confidentially provide information about a crime, complete an online TIPS information form.

Information about recent crimes will be listed below, with the most current information at the top.

Thursday, 11/08/12: Warrensburg Police are investigating an incident that was reported at 11.49 pm 11/8/2012, near the intersection of  North Washington and North Street.  A female reported that an unknown male approached her while she walked and repeatedly asked for a cigarette.  When she told him she did not have one,  he grabbed her arm.  The female pulled away from the male and ran into her residence. 
The male is described as a black male in his early thirties, 6 feet tall, stocky build.  He was wearing a brown hoody sweatshirt and blue jeans. This location is in a residential area, a few blocks north of the downtown area.  If you have any information about this crime, please contact the Warrensburg Police Department at 660-747-9134.  This information is being distributed in accordance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act.

Friday, 09/28/12:UCM Police are investigating a robbery that occurred between midnight and 1 a.m. this morning (Friday, Sept. 28, 2012) on the sidewalk in front of Nattinger-Bradshaw residence hall. A male student told police he was struck from behind and knocked unconscious. When he awoke his wallet was missing.

A person of interest who was in the area at the time is described as a white male wearing jeans and a black jacket.

In addition, the Warrensburg Police Department is investigating an assault that occurred near Emerson and Holden streets at approximately 8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2012. A male victim reported being struck from behind by a white male wearing all black clothing. Nothing was taken in this incident.

If you have any information about either of these crimes please contact UCM Police at 660-543-4123. This information is being distributed in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act.

Students are reminded that SAFE Team escorts are available on campus between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. daily. To schedule an escort call Public Safety at 660-543-4123. 

Tuesday, 10/8/12 (UPDATE): Upon further investigation, it was determined the attempted rape reported to have occurred in lot 67 on Monday, 10/8/2012, did not occur in lot 67.  Investigation revealed the incident did not occur on campus, and was an assault in a private residence by a non-stranger.  No weapons were used in this incident. It has now been determined there is no continuing danger to the university community related to this incident.  The investigation will now be handled by the Warrensburg Police Department.
The university issues timely warning notifications based on information known at the time of the report, in accordance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act.

Tuesday, 10/08/12: UCM Police are investigating the report of an attempted rape that occurred around 7:15 pm tonight, Monday 10/8/2012, in UCM lot 67 (Washington and South Streets).  The suspect is described as a white male, in his mid-20's.  He is approximately 6'5", 180 lbs with short brown hair that is longer on top than on the sides and back.  He was wearing a red baseball cap, a black  UCM hoodie, and blue jeans.  He was driving a black four-door Chevy Cobalt. The suspect used a knife in the assault, and fled after being pepper-sprayed by the victim.  The victim received minor injuries from the knife.  If you have any information about this crime, please contact UCM Police at 660-543-4123, or by text at 660-422-2632.  Information can be provided confidentially at ucmo.edu/tips.  This information is being provided in accordance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act. 

Monday, 09/17/12: Warrensburg Police are investigating the report of shots fired into the air in the 400 block of Jefferson Street.  A white neon was seen leaving the scene.  No one was injured.  If you have any information about this incident, please contact the Warrensburg Police Department at 660-747-9134.

Thursday, 09/06/12 (UPDATE):

Dear Faculty, Staff and Students,

Since Saturday evening, Sept. 1 the Missouri Rural Major Case Squad has actively pursued leads in the shooting death of University of Central Missouri alumnus and local businessperson, Blaine Whitworth. This led to the Wednesday arrest of two individuals - one being a UCM student - who have been charged in connection with this crime.

We want to assure you that UCM takes the safety of its students, faculty and staff seriously, and we will continue to work with local law enforcement personnel to monitor this situation.

Your personal safety is always important to our positive working, living and learning experiences at UCM, so we want to share with you a variety of safety tips as well as information about special programs and services to make your experience at UCM as safe as possible. We encourage you to review the attached document that has been provided by the Office of Student Experience and Engagement. We are confident this information will be beneficial to you both on and off campus.

Joining you in service,

Chuck Ambrose

UCM President

Tuesday, 09/04/12 (UPDATE): Date: September 4, 2012  10:15AM Press Release #2

The Missouri Rural Major Case Squad met at 9:00AM in Warrensburg for a briefing on the William “Blaine” Whitworth homicide case.  A total of 35 major case squad investigators have convened to participate in this investigation. Involved in the Major Case Squad are investigators from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, and Police/Sheriff’s agencies from Johnson, Pettis, Henry, Lafayette, Saline, and Ray County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol Sergeant Division of Drug and Crime Control and their Violent Crime Support Unit is involved in this investigation.

Johnson County Sheriff Chuck Heiss is acting as the Officer in Charge, Warrensburg PD Lieutenant Randy Eich and Pettis County Sherrif’s Department Captain David Keller are the Leads Officers, Missouri State Highway Patrol DDCC Sergeant Hugh Fowler is the Reports Officers, Warrensburg PD Detective Tim Lowry is the Evidence Officer and Warrensburg PD Chief Bruce Howey is the Public Information Officer.

The Warrensburg Police Department responded to a shots fired call in the 1000 block of Sunflower at 9:30PM September 1st. Responding officers found William “Blaine” Whitworth age 25 deceased at the scene.

Anyone with information regarding this case should contact the Warrensburg Police Department at 660-747-9133

Sunday, 09/02/12 (UPDATE): The Warrensburg Police Department has released the following information regarding last night's shooting: The Warrensburg Police Department responded to a shots fired call in the 1000 block of Sunflower at 9:30 PM September 1st.  Responding officers found William "Blaine" Whitworth, age 25, deceased at the scene.  It is anticipated that the Missouri Rural Major Case Squad will be activated on Tuesday to assist in the investigation. Anyone with information regarding this case should contact the Warrensburg Police Department at 660-747-9133.

Saturday, 09/01/12: Warrensburg Police are investigating a shooting at a residence in the Broadview area (between Mitchell and Ridgeview) in Warrensburg.  Suspect information is not known at this time.  There is no information at this time relating the shooting to the UCM campus.  Further information will be provided as it is determined.

Tuesday, 7/9/12 (UPDATE):  Witnesses further describe the suspect seen displaying a handgun at Pertle in a threatening manner as a white male with medium length dark brown or black hair who is about 6 feet tall with a thin build.  The suspect was last seen wearing baggy clothing and a black shirt.  The suspect was described as possibly being younger or "high school" aged.  The suspect was seen riding in a four door burgundy car with clear or non-tinted windows.  The driver of the vehicle was described as a white male possibly younger or "high school" aged.

Saturday, 7/7/12: UCM Police are investigating two separate reports of a male waving a gun at people as they walked in the area of the dock at Lake Cena in Pertle Springs. Both incidents occurred between 8:30-9:40 pm on Saturday, 7/7/12.The suspect is described as a white male passenger in the front seat of a maroon or red small 4-door car.If you have any information about this crime, please contact UCM Police at 660-543-4123.This notice is being distributed in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act.

Tuesday, 05/08/2012: Warrensburg police detectives have continued to investigate the reported drive-by shooting that was alleged to have occurred near 13 Highway and Culton Street in Warrensburg on April 18, 2012, in which a UCM student reported he had been shot in the arm.  Detectives re-interviewed the student on May 4, 2012, and he admitted the shooting was actually an accidental shooting that occurred at 701½ Broad Street in Warrensburg.  The student told detectives he was shot by a friend at a get together. The case will be submitted to the prosecuting attorney with a request that the student be charged with filing a false police report.

Wednesday, 4/23/2012: Police report new information regarding a reported drive-by shooting a few minutes before midnight Wednesday.

A police statement released Monday - more than four days after the incident - revealed the victim left a Kansas City hospital Friday after being treated for a single gunshot wound to the arm.

Based on statements obtained by witnesses contacted by The Star-Journal, the bullet reportedly struck a University of Central Missouri student at Maguire and Culton streets, in the vicinity of Family Video and several other business.

Police have not released the name of the student.

"Warrensburg police, with assistance from the UCM Department of Public Safety, continue to investigate what was reported, by the victim, to be a drive-by shooting," the police reported in the statement Monday.

Police also revealed having difficulty with pinning down facts involved in the shooting incident.

"Due to conflicting initial statements by the victim and witnesses in this case, lack of cooperation on the part of those involved, and lack of any physical evidence, investigators are having difficulty determining where this shooting actually occurred, and the circumstances surrounding it," the report stated.

Police ask anyone with information regarding the shooting to call the Warrensburg Police Department's Detective Unit at (660) 747-9133.

Wednesday, 4/18/12: Warrensburg Police officers are investigating the shooting of a male in the area of Maguire (Highway 13) and Culton Streets.  The male reported at 11:52 pm that he was walking along the sidewalk on Maguire when he was shot by an unknown person in a vehicle passing by.  The victim's injury is not life-threatening. UCM Public Safety and the Warrensburg Police Department are continuing the investigation. If you have any information about this crime, please contact UCM police at 660-543-4123.

Saturday, 2/19/11:  At 1:26 am, UCM Public Safety received a report of a gunshot that damaged a front door of the Nattinger Bradshaw residence hall. The gunshot came from the exterior of the building. There was no one in the area at the time, and there were no injuries. UCM Public Safety and the Warrensburg Police Department are continuing the investigation. If you have any information about this crime, please contact UCM police at 660-543-4123.

Thursday, 11/11/10:  At approximately 11:30 pm the Warrensburg Police Department received a call of a burglary in progress at an off campus apartment. A female reported a male subject in her apartment while she showered. The male subject fled the apartment after the female observed him in the apartment and then screamed. The suspect is described as a white male, 5'06" to 6'0" tall, 150-180 lbs, short (buzzed) haircut, wearing a blue sweat shirt with white stripes and blue jeans. Anyone having information about this crime can contact the Warrensburg Police Department at 660-747-9134.

Friday, 10/1/10:  At 1:50 am Warrensburg Police Department responded to a call of a fight in progress at the BreakTime convenience store at 701 South Maguire. Witnesses reported shots being fired from a gun prior to officer arrival. The suspect doing the shooting fled the area prior to police arrival. No one was injured in the incident. The suspect is described as a black male, thin build, 5'10"-5'11", wearing a black jacket, white t-shirt, black pants, and a dark-colored ball cap. The suspect fled in a newer model black Nissan SUV with Missouri license plates, northbound on Maguire street.

Warrensburg police are continuing the investigation. If you have any information about this or crime, please call the Warrensburg police department at 660-747-9134.

Update: The suspect in last night's shooting incident at the BreakTime convenience store has been identified, located, and criminally charged. The matter is still under investigation. The suspect is not a UCM student.

Tuesday, 9/28/10:  At 5:21 pm today, the UCM Department of Public Safety received a report of an armed robbery that occurred near Houts-Hosey residence hall around 2:47 pm today. The victim, a UCM student, was not injured in the incident. The victim stated he was approached by the suspect in front of Nattinger-Bradshaw, where the suspect asked to use the victim's cell phone. The victim and suspect walked to the south entrance of Houts-Hosey where the suspect returned the phone to the victim. The suspect then pointed a knife at the victim and demanded cash. The victim provided the suspect with cash and the suspect fled through the south entrance to Houts-Hosey. The suspect is described as a light-skinned black male, approximately 25 years old, 6'5", 180 pounds, with a light moustache. The suspect was wearing a blue KC Royals hat with a flat bill, black short-sleeved t-shirt with multi-colored KC Royals symbols on it, and blue jeans.

UCM Police are continuing the investigation. If you have any information about this crime or see a person matching the suspect description, please contact UCM Police at 660-543-4123. Information can also be provided confidentially at 660-543-TIPS (8477), or www.ucmo.edu/tips.

Update, 10/15/10:  The University of Central Missouri police investigation into a reported robbery near Houts-Hosey residence hall Sept. 28 determined that a robbery did not occur and no knife was used during the incident, as alleged by the victim. The investigation, however, did result in the arrest of a subject who had previously been banned from campus. The suspect was located and identified as Brian P. Talbert, 39, Kansas City.  Talbert has been banned from university property since 2002. He was arrested and charged with trespassing on UCM property, due to the previous ban.