Thursday morning hundreds of cell phones across campus buzzed, receiving text message and email alerts that Greencastle police were on the search for a man involved in a home invasion.
Shortly after 9 a.m., DePauw Public Safety sent a red alert warning students that Greencastle Police were looking for a possibly armed man that they believed to be involved in a recent home invasion. The man, described as "a tall male, long hair, black hoodie, black pants and a flannel shirt" is believed to have broken into an apartment North of the Court House on Jackson Street.
"We were glad that we were able to make sure that the community was aware and that we got the information out immediately," Director of Public Safety Angie Nally said. "The incident happened close to the perimeters of campus. The apartments where the incident occurred is north of the Courthouse, near the Marathon gas station, heading in the direction of Wabash."
While police are still investigating the incident, they are currently seeking a Black Ford Ranger Truck, possibly a 1998 model, with a Washington State license plate. The driver is a 55-year-old male. Police believe that this is a situation of relationship violence.
"At this point you know as much as I do," Nally said. "Many times cases like these are not resolved until weeks later."
While authorities do not believe that the suspect was on campus premises, students are advised to be especially aware of their surroundings and to be on the lookout for any suspicious activity.
"While the situation clearly isn't positive, there is a said benefit to it," Nally said. "Students are now familiar with how the university disseminates emergency information and are more informed of what to do in response to an emergency situation. If any suspicious activity is spotted, it is crucial to report it immediately. Do not wait."