Past Crime Alerts

UNI Student Robbed in Parking Lot

April 26, 2006

CEDAR FALLS , Iowa -- A University of Northern Iowa student was robbed at midnight last night in the Commons B parking lot on the University of Northern Iowa campus. The victim was physically assaulted and his wallet was stolen. The student did not require medical attention.

The suspects are four white males, possibly driving a dark red-colored Mustang.

This incident, still under investigation, may be connected to an assault reported to the Cedar Falls Police Department on April 25. Anyone with information should contact the UNI Department of Public Safety, (319) 273-2712, or submit your information anonymously at Silent Witness Online .

Fires on Campus
October 16 and 17, 2005

UNI Police, in conjunction with Cedar Falls Police and the State Fire Marshal's office, continue to investigate the fires that took place on campus Oct. 16 and 17. If you have information that might pertain to these fires, please call 273-2712, or submit your information anonymously at Silent Witness Online.

Between midnight and 1:15 a.m., Sunday, Oct. 16, UNI Police and the Cedar Falls Fire Department responded to three fires in UNI buildings and one in the South Art parking lot. Shortly before midnight smoke from a small fire was found in Lang Hall. A few minutes later, officers responded to a fire in an office in Baker Hall. Shortly before 1 a.m., a fire was reported in the lower level of Gilchrist Hall. The fire was large enough to require evacuation of the building. In each case access was gained through windows. A few minutes later, police received a report of a porta-potty on fire in the South Art parking lot, across 27th Street from the UNI-Dome.

At approximately 6:25 a.m. Monday, Oct. 17, UNI Police and the Cedar Falls Fire Department responded to a fire outside 109 F Street, in UNI's Hillside Courts apartment complex. The fire was located in a small utility structure adjacent to the apartment building.

No one was injured in these fires and they remain under investigation. It has not been determined if these fires are linked

Theft, ON/OFF-CAMPUS
Thefts at Places of Residence
Thursday August 19, 2004

University of Northern Iowa Police and Cedar Falls Police have received reports of theft occurring on the campus and the surrounding area. The thefts involve persons entering residence hall rooms and houses and stealing DVD's, video games, video game machines, and lap top computers.

It is important to lock your doors, including dead bolts, when you are not home or when you leave your room. Keep a watch for suspicious persons who may be committing thefts. If you see someone suspicious immediately call UNI Police at 3-2712 or Cedar Falls Police at 291-2515.

It is important to record serial numbers on your personal items such as computers, televisions, VCR's, DVD Players, stereos, ect. You can engrave special markings on your valuables by checking out an engraver at UNI Police Division.

Assault, ON-CAMPUS
Assault in UNI Residence Hall
Saturday September 20, 2003

Saturday morning 9-20-03 at about 0500 an unknown male entered two different female residence hall rooms without permission. He made physical contact with one of the sleeping occupants of the first room. When the resident realized he was present she told him to leave and he left the room. Although the resident was not sexually assaulted it is believed that was the perpetrators intent. The male entered a second room and spoke to a female resident there. When she told the male to leave he complied. It is unknown how the male entered the residence hall. The male is described as a white male 20-22 years of age with short hair, approximately 5-08 to 5-10, 150 to 170 lbs. He was wearing a red hooded sweatshirt and blue jeans.

Safety Actions:
Residents are advised that if they encounter suspicious persons in their halls they should contact the UNI Police Division at 273-2712 immediately. They are further advised to lock their individual doors and to not allow anyone they do not personally know to access their residence hall. If the person belongs in the residence hall they should have their own key. Do not prop doors or anyone can gain access. If you find a propped door please notify your RA or hall coordinator.

Update - Arrest Made
On 9-20-03 UNI Police received numerous complaints of a subject entering rooms in the early morning of Saturday Sept 20th uninvited. On 9-22-03 Travis L. Smith of 1105 W 23rd St. #220 in Cedar Falls was charged with 4 counts of Criminal Trespass and one count of simple assault in connection with the incident in Lawther hall.

It was determined through the course of the investigation that Smith had been a guest of a resident of Lawther hall. Smith left the resident's room and then entered numerous other rooms in the hall. Smith spoke with residents inside the rooms. Smith was charged with simple assault connected with one of the Trespass charges. No sexual abuse was reported to have occurred in any of the trespass incidents.

Car Burglaries, ON-CAMPUS
Car Burglaries on the UNI Campus
Thursday September 18, 2003

In the early morning hours of Wednesday, September 17th there were car burglaries that occurred on the UNI Campus. The burglars gained entry by breaking vehicle windows. Types of items taken included car stereo equipment including speakers. The crime is being investigated by UNI Police Division.

Evidence was collected and video tapes are being reviewed for possible suspects.

Safety Reminder:
If you have removable face stereo, remove the face and take it with you. Do not hide it in your car. If you have CD's or valuables store them out of site. Leaving them in plain view invites would-be burglars to target your vehicle.

Any person with information about the above crimes or notice suspicious persons in the parking lots (perhaps looking in vehicles or trying to open doors) - please contact the UNI Police Division immediately at 273-4000 or 273-2712.

Update - Arrest Made
On the early morning hours of 9-19-03 two persons were arrested in the act of committing car burglaries in the North Dome parking lot. They are identified as 18 year old Eric T. Grasmick of Cedar Falls and a juvenile male. The juvenile male also confessed to burglaries that had occurred on the UNI campus on 9-17-03. Grasmick was charged with 3 counts of 3rd degree burglary and transported to the Black Hawk County Jail. The juvenile was taken into custody and charged with 12 counts of Burglary and possession of burglar's tools.

One additional juvenile male was charged with 10 counts of burglary that had occurred on 9-17-03.