UWPD: Update on March 5 Eagle Heights incident
Update: 10 a.m. Wednesday: The following message was sent to all residents of the Eagle Heights community by University Housing
Dear Residents of University Apartments,
I’m writing this morning about the events of Tuesday, March 5, which saw extensive police activity in our community, in response to gunshots fired around 9:30 p.m. in the University Houses area.
After the shots were fired, UWPD quickly responded along with other local police agencies and sent multiple WiscAlerts with updated information. Before midnight, three suspects were detained and an “all clear” message was sent out. The investigation is continuing and police may be present in the area today.
At this time, we do not believe there is a connection between this incident and anyone living in the University Apartments Community. We also believe there is no ongoing threat to our community or its members.
As you know, University Housing and Eagle Heights-University Houses have a long-standing commitment to safety for our residents. This incident was as disturbing and confusing to us as it must be to you. As we learn more, we will continue to share information as it becomes available.
We thank you for your cooperation and understanding and appreciate the work of our partners at UWPD and other police agencies. In the meantime, please see the following set of resources and safety information:
–If you have information about this incident or witnessed it, please call UWPD at 608-264-COPS (2677).
–WiscAlerts: If you have not yet opted in to receive WiscAlerts text messages, students, faculty and staff may do so at http://go.wisc.edu/wiscalerts
–If you have specific concerns and would like to speak to apartment staff member, call 608-262-3407.
General safety information:
— Residents of University Housing are urged to keep their doors locked, especially when home or sleeping.
–Be aware of your surroundings and report suspicious activity.
–University Housing custodial and maintenance staff members all wear identification tags with their photos and names.
–Report any crime or suspicion of a crime at once. If UWPD is contacted within the first five minutes, police have a better chance of finding a suspect.
–Never prop open an exterior building door.
–Report any safety concerns (non-working hallway or outside lights, locks, etc.) to your University Housing staff immediately.
The complete text of the UWPD news release is pasted below, for your information.
Thank you,
Kelly Ignatoski
Director of University Apartments
UWPD News Release:
At approximately 9:30PM on March 5, 2013, UW Police received a number of calls reporting shots fired in the University Houses area. Police responded and by approximately 9:36PM officers were in contact with some persons of interest. Two individuals were taken into custody and police began a search for a third person of interest. WiscAlerts were sent to the campus community at 9:58PM advising of the situation and subsequent alerts contained a description of the person being sought. Shell casings were found at the scene. The third person of interest was taken into custody at 11:29PM. There have been no reported injuries. An all clear alert was sent at 11:57PM.
UW Police were assisted by the Shorewood Hills, City of Madison, Town of Madison and Monona Police Departments. The persons of interest appear to have no UW affiliation. The investigation is continuing. Residents of University Housing are urged to contact UWPD with any information at 608-262-2957.