Dear Lafayette Community Members,
I write with an update regarding the emergency alerts you received this morning. We understand how concerning this incident is, particularly as it follows a recent similar event.
On 3/5/21 @ 6:50 a.m., the Department of Public Safety received a report from Northampton County 911 of a male intruder armed with a knife who entered a private, off-campus house on the 400 block of McCartney Street. The suspect was described to the Easton Police Department as a Black male about 6 feet tall and possibly wearing dark clothing and a ski mask.
Patrols that were expanded last week are now being augmented with an officer stationed on the 400 block of McCartney Street and additional patrols on foot who may verbally engage with people in the vicinity.
The matter is being investigated by the Easton Police Department. Anyone with information related to this incident should contact the Easton Police Department at (610) 250-6634.
Helpful resources for students:
- The Counseling Center offers a variety of services and resources including same day tele-consultation appointments. Students can call the Counseling Center at 610-330-5005 to request a tele-consultation appointment Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tele-consultations are provided on a first-call, first-scheduled basis each day. In addition, after hours and weekend telephone crisis support is available by calling 610-330-5005.
- The residence life staff member who oversees your area is another resource to utilize.
- Students who find the experience is affecting their academics should seek assistance from their class dean in requesting flexibility from their professors.
As always, we would like to take this opportunity to remind the Lafayette community again of some important personal safety practices that should be routinely followed:
- Secure all windows and doors.
- Always be aware of your surroundings.
- Know the locations of “blue light” emergency phones in case you need to use one.
- At night, walk with a known companion, whenever possible.
- Avoid walking in secluded or dimly lit areas.
- If you believe you are being followed, cross the street or change directions. Attempt to get a good description of the person and call Public Safety (610-330-4444), if near campus, or 911 if off campus.
- If you’re still being followed, go to the nearest house or business and call Public Safety (610-330-4444), if near campus, or 911 if off campus.
- Carry your cell phone to summon help and avoid talking on your phone if you are walking alone late at night.
- While walking, do not wear headphones/earphones.
- Utilize walking escort by Public Safety officers by calling (610) 330-5330.
Sincerely,
Jeff Troxell
Director of Public Safety