2019 Incident and Communications Archive
CSU open Nov. 27
CSU will be open tomorrow, Wednesday, Nov. 27, and all activities are on a normal schedule.
The city and county indicate that road crews are keeping up with clearing roads, and university crews have cleared roads, parking lots and sidewalks on campuses. Please be cautious while traveling to and around campus and consider using public transportation instead of driving. While crews have cleared campus sidewalks, some icy spots may exist due to winter conditions. Please plan extra time to reach campus.
If you feel you cannot get to campus due to weather and road conditions, please treat this as you would any other personal emergency and contact your supervisor to discuss your situation.
CSU closing Tuesday, Nov. 26
CSU is closing and canceling all events on Tuesday, Nov. 26, in preparation for the current weather forecast of a significant, approaching storm. This decision also is based on information from other agencies, including the city and county.
CSU employees with emergency duties should coordinate with their supervisors or directors to determine their work status. Emergency employees include, but are not limited to, CSU Police, Facilities Management, Housing, Environmental Health Services, the Veterinary Teaching Hospital and Diagnostic Laboratories.
Check www.safety.colostate.edu or source.colostate.edu for updates on the status of operations at the university. Information also will be available on local media outlets and CSU’s social media networks.
Thank you,
CSU Public Safety Team
Winter storm conditions, November 25
Colorado State University is carefully monitoring the forecast for the incoming storm, which is expected to start this afternoon and continue through tomorrow. National Weather Service expects the storm to impact road conditions as soon as late this afternoon to early evening.
All CSU business and activities will continue as scheduled today, through this evening.
We ask supervisors to use good judgment in accommodating the needs of employees who may have a long commute, be worried about driving in deteriorating conditions, or who may be impacted by child care needs. Poudre and Thompson School Districts will remain open today through their regular class schedule, but have canceled after school activities, as well as classes and activities for tomorrow, Tuesday, Nov. 26.
If you feel you need to leave early due to weather and road conditions, please treat this as you would any other personal emergency and contact your instructors or supervisor to discuss your situation.
We are in close communication with the Fort Collins and Larimer County emergency management offices and road crews, CSU law enforcement, Poudre School District and Thompson School District, and the National Weather Service. We will remain in close communication tonight and during the early morning hours to determine university status for tomorrow, Tuesday, Nov. 26. A decision is typically made by 5:30 a.m. for the current business day.
For more information about how the university determines a weather closure and how we communicate about the university’s status, see https://source.colostate.edu/university-guidelines-weather-closure/.
Electrical outage at Scott Bioengineering Building
Update at 9 p.m.: Power has been fully restored to the building.
Post to Safety site Sept. 18, 2019, 11 a.m.
Scott Bioengineering Building is currently experiencing a power outage due to the failure of an electrical transformer. Facilities Management crews have responded and are working with electricians to get power restored to the building, which is expected to take at least 24 hours. At this time, emergency power and wi-fi are working on backup generator power. The building is open for all classes and activities. Classes will continue at the discretion of instructors.
Pitkin Street closed
Update, 12 a.m. Aug 27, 2019
Pitkin Street is open.
7 p.m. Aug 26, 2019
CSUPD is working a motor vehicle accident on campus. Pitkin Street is closed between Shields and Meridian until further notice. Please avoid area and take alternative routes. A map of campus is available at maps.colostate.edu.
Safe2Tell report of possible threat
August 20, 2019
CSU police were notified this morning through Safe2Tell of a possible threat. There is no indication of a current, immediate threat directed specifically to CSU.
CSUPD is closely monitoring the situation and remains focused on campus safety.
Please stay vigilant. Report anyone acting suspiciously to police right away. If you have any safety concerns, call or text 9-1-1.
Safe2Tell is an anonymous venue for parents, students, teachers, school administrators, and law enforcement to share information. Colorado State University also has an independent system, called Tell Someone, where anyone can report a concern about a CSU community member. During an emergency, call 911.
Email scams to our community
Message sent to university community, August 14, 2019
Although the academic year has not started, Colorado State University has received multiple reports of email scams targeting incoming students, returning students and employees. These scams are primarily attempts to get individuals to respond to a job offer. These emails are not from members of our university community, but appear to be because the “from” email address is “@colostate.edu.”
More information is available at https://source.colostate.edu/email-scams-sent-to-csu-addresses/.
Rabid cat near campus
August 6: Larimer County Health Department reports a cat that was in the area of Matthews and Laurel Streets has tested positive for rabies. The car was outdoors in the neighborhood, which is near campus, and may have come into contact with individuals. There have been no reports of the cat on campus. https://www.larimer.org/spotlights/2019/08/09/cat-tests-positive-rabies-fort-collins
Male displaying knife
July 26, 3:40 p.m.
CSU Alert: CSUPD is looking for a male who is reported to have displayed folded knife to children and threatened to harm them in Moby C wing at 3 p.m. No injuries were reported. The suspect is described as a white male, 5’9”, muscular build, wearing sunglasses, blue shorts, cut off black shirt, wearing hat backwards. Call 911 if seen.
Robberies near main campus
Saturday, July 21 at 3:30 a.m.: Two robberies have been reported to Fort Collins Police Services near campus. At 2:24 a.m. near Laurel and Remington, two suspects described as Hispanic males got out of a silver sedan and robbed a pedestrian male of all of his belongings. Suspects left the area southbound on College Ave. At 2:28 a.m. a second robbery was reported on College Ave. just south of Elizabeth St. Two male suspects on foot jumped a male and female, also on foot, and stole the male victim’s wallet. The suspects are described as white males with one with tattoos wearing a red hat, and a second as a large white male with dark hair wearing a tank top. Both got into a vehicle and left the area.
No additional suspect descriptions are available for either incident. Call 911 if you have additional information.
Overnight vandalism
Friday, July 5, 2:45 p.m.
CSU police are investigating multiple instances of vandalism on campus overnight including slashed tires or body damage to at least 13 vehicles and one bicycle, and other damage to CSU intramural facilities such as slashed pads and mats. Places where damage has been reported so far include outdoor areas around Alpine Hall, Moby, and Canvas Stadium. Some damage was also reported south of campus which Fort Collins Police Services is investigating.
It appears the damage was done by one male walking from north to south through campus and then continuing south of campus.
If you have information about this incident or believe you have seen the suspect, call CSU police (970) 491-6425.
Beaver Fire near CSU Mountain Campus
Beaver Fire updates from US Forest Service, Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland
Saturday, July 20 update: The Beaver Fire was 100 percent contained the evening of July 20.
Thursday, July 11 10:30 a.m. update: The Beaver Fire, located off the Pingree Park Road, remains at 85 acres with 25 percent containment. Firefighters anticipate this containment will increase at the end of the day as conditions are verified on the ground and fire lines are strengthened. There are approximately 60 firefighters supporting the fire, along with two helicopters providing suppression support.
The Tom Bennett Campground and National Forest System Road 145 are both closed due to firefighting efforts. This also means there is no access to the Emmaline Lake Trail. Please note there is not parking or access via the Colorado State University Mountain Campus. The Stormy Peaks Trailhead remains open. For those needing alternative ideas for summer recreation, please call state visitor information office at 970-295-6700.
Wednesday, July 3, morning update: The Beaver Fire, located off the Pingree Park Road, did not grow overnight and remains at 5 acres. The area received rain last night. U.S. Forest Service firefighters and helicopter will be working the fire today. Crews were hiking in to the area this morning. Some smoke may be visible in the area, but does not appear to be impacting the Jacks Gulch Campground or dispersed recreation areas along the Pingree Park Road too much.
Tuesday, July 2, 5:45 p.m.: Beaver Fire, a small fire estimated at 2 to 3 acres, is burning two miles east of the CSU Mountain Campus (northeast of Tom Bennett campground). Forest Service responders are on site and have set up a Spike Camp for personnel fighting the fire at the Mountain Campus. At this time, there is no operational impact for the Mountain Campus and no safety risk to students or staff. All operations, including Natural Resources classes, are continuing as usual. Access roads to the campus remain open. Our staff are working closely with the Forest Service and other agencies to follow the situation and an evacuation plan is in place should it be needed. At this time, we do not anticipate any impact to Mountain Campus operations and we will provide periodic updates as the situation develops.
Suspected burglary in Parmelee Hall
Friday, May 17 4 a.m.: Suspected burglar broke window on North side of Parmelee Hall at 3:30 a.m. Call CSUPD 970-491-6425 if you see male wearing long sleeve pink shirt over black shirt, blue jeans, gray shoes. Last seen headed east on Laurel Street. Residents of Parmelee no longer need to shelter in place.
Male exposed self to females
May 11, 11:45 a.m.: CSUPD received two separate reports that a male in a red Hyundai coupe exposed himself to two different females in the Moby parking lot area. The male is described by both reporting parties as in his 20s or 30s, but no other description was available. Both incidents occurred around 10 a.m., but were not immediately reported by either party. The vehicle was last seen headed south on Shields Street. If you have information about these incidents or suspect, call CSUPD at 970-491-6425.
CSU Alert update 6:20 p.m.: CSUPD has received a third report of a male exposing himself to females near Moby. All three incidents occurred around 10 a.m.; the third report was received this p.m., following our a.m. alert. Suspect described as mid- to late-20s male, dark complexion, short dark & curly hair, driving the bright red Hyundai 2 door sedan in these pictures.
Unauthorized gathering
Update May 1 informational statement to university community:
CSU’s Free Speech And Peaceful Assembly policy outlines the following, which applies to this unauthorized gathering: While the University’s public areas are open to all for expressive planned or spontaneous activities, all events and gatherings on campus, whether or not scheduled in advance and regardless of the time of day, must be for the purposes of:
· Carrying out lawful activities without undue disruption of the campus operations
· Without harming or creating a threat of harm to persons or property
· In compliance with the university’s policies and the university’s large event guidelines, which govern any gathering of more than 200 people
These guidelines require coordination of gatherings through university offices and university approval.
Organizers are required to pay for security, facility or ground use and event insurance.
The University and law enforcement authorities will maintain order and protect public safety at any event. The university reserves the right to deny use of any facility for any reason determined to be necessary to protect persons or property or the best interests of the institution.
The First Amendment does not require CSU to allow every type of gathering at any location on campus at all times. The unauthorized gathering of individuals campus, commonly known as the undie run, is not sponsored by any group or any specific individual and is not authorized by CSU. Over the years, this gathering has presented safety and security concerns for the university.
This gathering does not comply with university policy.
And there is no First Amendment requirement for the university to allow such an informal gathering.
April 24 open letter:
The Public Safety Team published the following open letter to students and the campus community in the Collegian (click on image to read PDF):
Sol Pais threat to Denver Area April 17
Update, Wednesday, April 17, 11:26 a.m.
Dear Campus Community,
The FBI has announced that Sol Pais no longer presents a threat. There is an ongoing investigation near Mount Evans, west of Denver, related to the previous safety concerns.
Updates about the case, including the announcement that she is no longer a threat, are available at https://twitter.com/FBIDenver.
We wanted to provide an update to you related to the previous safety concerns due to the threat posed to the Denver area by Sol Pais, and our decision to stay open.
Sol Pais was identified by the FBI as a credible threat to Denver-area schools. CSUPD worked closely over the last several days with law enforcement agencies across the state that are actively involved in this incident. The FBI shared earlier this week that this threat was to the Denver metro area.
At no time was there information to indicate that Sol Pais made any reference to the Fort Collins area, nor were there any verified reports of her in the area. The FBI and responding law enforcement closely watched the situation, and provided advice to police across the state, including CSUPD.
While many K-12 schools closed, many universities in Colorado, including CSU, opted to remain open. This included universities in the Denver metro area. Our decision to remain open was based on the most current information known to law enforcement.
In addition to being in close and frequent conversations, CSUPD officers closely monitored safety on campus during this situation and followed the recommendations of the FBI for an appropriate response.
Thank you.
Email to campus Wednesday, April 17, 2019 6:54 a.m.: CSUPD is continuing to monitor the situation related to the Sol Pais case, under investigation in the Denver area. There is no specific threat to CSU, and the university will be open today.
Weather closure April 10
April 11, 5:22 a.m.:
CSU will be open Thursday, April 11, and all classes and activities are on a normal schedule.
The city and county indicate that road crews are keeping up with clearing roads. Please be cautious while traveling to and around campus and consider using public transportation instead of driving. Please plan extra time to reach campus.
Facilities crews have cleared campus streets, parking lots and sidewalks. Winter boots are advised; some icy and slick spots remain, particularly in shady areas.
If you feel you cannot get to campus due to weather and road conditions, please treat this as you would any other personal emergency and contact your instructors or supervisor to discuss your situation.
April 10 2:10 pm update
While Colorado State University is officially closing at 3 p.m., we are receiving reports that visibility is getting poor and roads are icing up. Supervisors are encouraged to send people home as soon as reasonably possible.
12:15 p.m. message to university
CSU is closing and canceling all classes and events AFTER 3 p.m. based on weather forecasts and information from the National Weather Service, as well as the city and county, about the potential for road conditions to deteriorate as snow continues throughout the day. Classes and events before and up to 3 p.m. will continue as scheduled.
The National Weather Service warns that severe winds will evolve this evening, and that driving at the regular evening commute time will be extremely difficult. Employees, please work with your supervisor to determine what time you are released to leave campus. Supervisor may use their discretion in allowing individuals to leave earlier than 3 p.m.
Please do not stay on campus beyond the university’s stated closure time, unless necessary. CSU employees with emergency duties are asked to coordinate with their supervisors or directors to determine their work status. Emergency employees include, but are not limited to, CSU Police, Facilities Management, Housing, Environmental Health Services, the Veterinary Teaching Hospital and Diagnostic Laboratories.
Check this site for updates on the status of operations at the university. Information also will be available on local media outlets and CSU’s social media networks.
Weather closure March 13
University open March 14
CSU will be open Thursday, March 14, and all classes and activities are on a normal schedule.
The city and county indicate that road crews are keeping up with clearing roads. If there is a significant change in conditions overnight, we will communicate with you at 5:30 a.m. or soon after regarding any change in university status.
Please be cautious while traveling to and around campus and consider using public transportation instead of driving. Please plan extra time to reach campus.
If you feel you cannot get to campus due to road conditions, please treat this as you would any other personal emergency and contact your instructors or supervisor to discuss your situation.
University closing March 13 due to weather
CSU is closing and canceling all classes and events in Larimer County on Wednesday, March 13, in preparation for the current weather forecast of a significant, approaching storm. Classes and events for the remainder of this evening (Tuesday, March 12) will be held as scheduled.
CSU employees with emergency duties should coordinate with their supervisors or directors to determine their work status. Emergency employees include, but are not limited to, CSU Police, Facilities Management, Housing, Environmental Health Services, the Veterinary Teaching Hospital and Diagnostic Laboratories.
Check this site for updates on the status of operations at the university. Information also will be available on local media outlets and CSU’s social media networks.
Report of intruder
March 11, 2019
8:10 a.m.: Fort Collins Police Services responded to a report one block north of campus of an intruder. The female informant reported that a few minutes before 6 a.m., she woke up to an unknown male standing by her bed. The male left the bedroom. When police arrived the intruder was no longer in the apartment. Suspect is described as a male of unknown race, college-aged male, wearing a green hoodie and gray sweatpants.
If you have information about this incident or believe you have seen the suspect, call Fort Collins Police 970-221-6540. CSUPD advises all students to lock their doors and windows, especially at night and when they are not home.
Lake Street closure for water issue
Feb. 18, 2019
3:48 p.m.: Lake Street is currently closed on campus east of the intersection at Center Avenue, by the Lake Street Garage. The street is closed for the next several hours while city crews investigate a water issue. As you enter or leave campus, please take alternate routes.
Groping in Clark Building
Feb. 18, 2019
12:20 p.m.: A female reported to CSUPD that earlier this morning she was groped by a male in the Clark Building. The suspect is described as a college-aged, lighter-skinned Black male, 5 feet 10 inches tall, about 175 pounds, wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, black beanie, black pants and black snow boots. Anyone with information or who sees someone matching this suspect description is encouraged to call CSUPD at 970-491-6425.
Traffic blocked at railroad tracks, avoid east side of campus
Feb. 7, 2019
All clear 8:36 p.m.: The scene has been cleared and the railroad tracks are no longer blocked by the train. Roads on campus are open.
Update 4:36 p.m.: Train remains stopped at Mulberry Street and the east side of campus is blocked at the tracks. Traffic on and off campus from the east side between the railroad tracks and College Avenue is blocked, from Mulberry south to Prospect. Avoid College Avenue and the east side of campus, enter or exit campus from the west off of Shields Street.
DO NOT crawl over or under the stopped train to leave or access campus. Use the underpass below the railroad tracks behind Johnson Hall to the east or to the west of the Glen Morris Field House to walk or bike to and from campus.
Original post at 3:23 p.m: Due to an incident on the railroad tracks at Mulberry Street, the east side of campus is blocked at the tracks.
Traffic on and off campus from the east side between the railroad tracks and College Avenue is blocked, from Mulberry south to Prospect.
Avoid College Avenue and the east side of campus, enter or exit campus from the west off of Shields Street.