All Five Arrested ... Eric M. Heath, Associate VP for Safety

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From: Eric M. Heath, Associate VP for Safety and Security <cops@uchicago.edu>

Date: Mon, Feb 11, 2019 at 4:26 PM

Subject: Today's security incident involving robbery suspects

To: studentsfacultystaff@bulkmail.uchicago.edu <studentsfacultystaff@bulkmail.uchicago.edu>

To: Members of the University Community

From Eric Heath, Associate Vice President for Safety & Security

Subject: Today’s security incident involving robbery suspects

Date: February 11, 2019

Earlier today, officers with the Chicago Police Department pursued a car containing individuals who were suspects in an armed robbery that occurred some distance from campus, on 119th Street. The vehicle crashed along the Midway Plaisance near our Hyde Park campus, and the suspects attempted to flee on foot. The University of Chicago Police Department was then notified and assisted with the search.

As soon as we received confirmation of information about the suspects, the Department of Safety and Security sent a series of electronic cAlerts advising the campus community in Hyde Park to shelter in place. One of the suspects was arrested immediately after the crash, and the remaining four were apprehended over the next hour. At approximately 12:49 p.m. we issued an all-clear message through the cAlert system, indicating that normal activities could resume.

We know this kind of incident can be unsettling, and we want to ensure that you are prepared for emergency situations. For more information on recommended safety procedures during such incidents, please visit the Department of Safety and Security website.

We are grateful for rapid response by police to this situation, and for the campus community’s help and cooperation, including several key tips submitted to UCPD via the UChicago Safe app. Such events can move quickly, making it even more important for members of our community to maintain updated emergency contact information. You can receive urgent security information through multiple channels:

• cAlert: The University’s primary emergency notification system is cAlert, used when a potential threat to safety requires immediate action by members of the University. cAlert sends a short message, text, or automated phone call to anyone with a UChicago email. Community residents not affiliated with the University can also sign up for cAlert by texting the word cAlert to 226787. Please ensure your contact information is up-to-date by visiting cAlert online at calert.uchicago.edu

• UChicago Safe: UChicago Safe is a free app to quickly access safety information, including emergency updates and links to safety resources. In the event of an emergency, the app can provide additional notifications through your phone. For links to download the app for iPhone or Android, click here.

· Online: In the event of such emergencies, the University also posts essential information to www.uchicago.edu and our social media channels, including UChicago’s main Twitter and Facebook accounts.

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Photo by Peter Grieve, The Chicago Maroon