The State News has been keeping track of crime reports during most weekdays since the start of the fall semester. Needless to say, the details of each report shed light into how MSU police handles different cases, especially during incidents involving marijuana or alcohol.
Minors in possession
Though there may be an idea on campus of officers deliberately looking for underage drinkers on campus, MSU police has no reason to stop people, even if they have been drinking, unless the police are given a reason. Someone has to be bringing attention to themselves in some way, either stumbling down the sidewalk, being disruptive or, in a particularly noteworthy case, attempting to climb the side of the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum.
MSU police are more concerned with keeping people safe, Sgt. Florene McGlothian-Taylor said.
Marijuana
Typically marijuana arrests play out in a set pattern. A floor resident or a Residence Assistant will pick up the particular smell of marijuana and report it to police, who then arrive and conduct a quick investigation, ending in arrest. Beyond that, there are a few cases of individuals being pulled over for unrelated reasons and officers finding marijuana in the car or detaining them for an outstanding warrant.
Dorm squabbles
Roommates might not always be the most cooperative individuals, trapped in a small room together for a year. Already this semester some tensions have come to a head, including cases of assault, theft and fraud.
Thefts
Thefts are less predictable, however a common case usually involved an individual stealing from unlocked rooms. Others involved deliberate breaking and entering with over $100 in cash or items, including a $500 TV. Wallets have also been reported lost and returned, albeit with the cash inside missing.
MSU police ask individuals to lock their doors at all times and never leave items unattended, since that could give criminals of opportunity, not necessarily planning on committing a crime, the chance to do so.
Here are the six most unique police incidents so far this semester:
1. Squabble over missing wallet
Between Sept. 19 and Sept. 20, a 19-year-old male student assaulted his 19-year-old male student roommate. The subject suspected the victim of stealing his wallet so he punched him in the chest. In a twist of fate, he found his wallet just afterwards. He did apologize for the misunderstanding and the case has been forwarded to the Ingham County Prosecutor's Office for review.
2. Sleep deprived assault
Between 3:15 a.m. and 3:45 a.m. on Sept. 15 a 20-year-old male student was arrested for felonious assault. His roommate and the victim, a 21-year-old male student apparently kept talking in his sleep and after shaking him to wake him up, threw a book which caused a small abrasion. The case was forwarded to the Ingham County Prosecutor's Office for review.
3. Prostitution
A 45-year-old male with no university affiliation was arrested at Candlewood Suites at 8:15 p.m. on Oct. 4 for soliciting a prostitute. He responded to an online advertisement and after conversing with a 21-year-old female and a 33-year-old female, both with no university affiliation, he was arrested. The case is still open and under investigation.
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4. Cocaine
Sept. 23 at 10:57 p.m., officers were informed of the smell of marijuana by officials at Gilchrist Hall. Upon arriving on scene and after an investigation, two 18-year-old female students were arrested for cocaine possession. The case has been referred to the Ingham County Prosecutor's Office for review.
5. Taking an unknown substance and waking up in Sparrow Hospital
Late on Sept. 26 to early on Sept. 27, a 20-year-old male, unaffiliated with MSU, told the story of his long night which ended in robbery. He told police he was meeting with a friend at a gas station before coming to MSU. After parting ways, the next memory he has is waking up at Sparrow Hospital. A jogger had found him lying outside the MSU Union. Apparently, he took an unknown substance from a stranger. He reported his wallet, his cell phone and work clothes were stolen.
6. TV theft
At 9:30 on Sept. 26, an apartment in University Village was broken into and a $500 TV was stolen. The victim is a 22-year-old male student and said his roommates left the window to the apartment open where the suspects entered. They stole the TV and left through the front door, since the TV was too big to fit back out of the window. Two suspects were later identified by surveillance footage.
