Stevens: Campus Alert – Part 2

Just when it seemed like things were getting back to normal on campus, there is another arson incident in Davis Hall – 4th floor.

Updated April 25, 2008, 9:20 a.m.

There was another arson incident in Davis Hall early this morning. No one was injured.

As a result of the ongoing investigation all residents of Davis Hall and their guests are currently in Canavan Arena.

We do not have an estimate of when they will able to leave so they have been excused from classes for the day. We appreciate the co-operation and support of all faculty.

In addition, the Schaefer Center is closed until further notice.

We will send out an update this afternoon.

Maureen Weatherall

This time it is reportedly a book that was set on fire that led to a fire alarm in the building. Personally, I think it is the work of just a single kid getting seriously carried away. Not too much information available yet, but we’ll see what comes of this.

Update (10:58 AM): A friend of mine told me that the people relocated to Shafer Center since about 5 AM this morning and have been there all days without any pillows, access to their computers or anything. Also, as of about an hour or so ago my friend said “They haven’t even started questioning (anyone) yet.” It’s pretty safe to assume this event is related to the one the other day and it seems a little too convienient that is happening the last Friday before Finals Week starts.

Update (12:45 PM): According to a “Hoboken Now” article from NJ.com, “Classes and final exams have been canceled for those students who live in Davis and will be re-scheduled.” Article goes to say as I mentioned in the previous update that this seems to be an extreme way of getting out of final exams or at least getting them pushed back.

Update (5:20 PM): Another update from Stevens was recently emailed saying the residents of Davis Hall have been allowed to return to their rooms and security personnel will be at each hall from 10 PM to 9 AM

Thank you to the students of Davis Hall for their cooperation and good spirits during a difficult day.  The students have now left the Canavan Arena.  They will be allowed back into Davis Hall at 6:00 PM tonight.  This schedule is at the request of law enforcement so they can complete their investigation of the scene.

Stevens Campus Police and the Hudson County Prosecutors Office are meeting with a person of interest. We will send a further communication when we have additional information.

Davis Hall is restricted to residents only.  There will be security on each floor from 10:00pm to 9:00am until further notice. Davis residents will be asked to use the main entrance and be prepared to show campus ID.

We appreciate the assistance of Stevens Campus Police, the Student Support team and most of all our students.  The safety of our campus community is our highest priority and their cooperation has helped us continue to maintain it.

I would like to offer a special thank you to Stevens Dining Services and the Greek Week Committee for providing beverages and food for all of us.  The Schaefer Center will reopen at 7:00 PM.  The Men’s lacrosse game will begin at 7:00 PM.

The lacrosse game was scheduled for 4 PM today which got pushed back to 7 PM. I’m gonna go shortly to broadcast the game and hopefully more things will return to normal later on.

Update (9:15 PM): Finally I think we reach the point where we can put this whole ordeal behind us.

An arrest has been made in the Davis Hall incident.  The individual involved is a student who resided in Davis Hall and has been suspended effective immediately.  He will not be allowed to return to campus.  He is in the custody of the Hudson County Prosecutors Office.

The leadership of our Campus Police and the cooperation of our students has resulted in the rapid conclusion to the investigation.  We are fortunate that there were no injuries and no damage to the residence hall.

As an extra precaution, we are continuing our heightened security at Davis Hall.  We want our students who live in that facility to feel safe and return to normal as quickly as possible.  We are available throughout the weekend to talk with our students and address their concerns.

Thank you again to all those from the Stevens Community and the surrounding law enforcement agencies who helped us resolve this situation.

I’m glad an arrest was made and hopefully there aren’t any follow up incidents with anyone. I also hope this kid gets what he deserves. From what I’ve heard it was lighting up an object and throwing it into an electrical outlet… I have no idea what would cause someone to do such a thing but it is certainly unwarranted and down right dangerous. That could have caused some serious damage. Oh well, honestly I’m tired about hearing all the news about this stuff, I’m tired of blogging about it. It’s time we move on and just get this semester over with as smoothly as possible.

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