Security alert at Broadway residence hall

The Campus Public Safety Office received a report of an unknown male subject who entered an occupied dormitory room in the Broadway Housing Building at approximately 5 a.m. yesterday.

The subject was described as an adult white male with a thin build wearing a white, beanie-style hat, a dark coat, light-colored trousers and Toms shoes. He is said to be “college age,” which could range between 19 and 35 years.

The “timely warning” released by CPSO reminds students and residents of the dormitories to pay attention to people in the residence halls in order to prevent unauthorized people from following them into the buildings, and to keep doors closed and locked.

Sgt. Joe Schilling of CPSO iterated how important it is for students to be aware of their surroundings at all times and to ask for help if they are in a situation in which they don’t feel safe.

“Any time of the day or night, students should be aware of their surroundings, and [they] need to know they can call 911 or CPSO if they are concerned for their safety or uncomfortable in a situation,” Schilling said.

“This includes keeping doors latched and locked for their own safety and security and paying attention to those simple safety issues.”

Students are advised to contact CPSO’s emergency line at 503-725-4404 if they’re aware of suspicious activity.

“If you see something that seems a little out of place, call us,” Schilling said. “If you see someone walking up and down the hallway checking doorknobs, don’t assume they’re looking for a friend. Call us and we can contact the subject and get the situation figured out safely.”

Schilling said a similar incident occurred over winter break in the Broadway residence hall but that the incidents are unrelated.

The timely warning also encourages residents of the dorms who are concerned about this incident or any other related issue to contact University Housing and Residence Life at 503-725-4370.

CPSO will post updates and further information about this incident on their website at pdx.edu/cpso.

If students have any non-emergency concerns regarding campus safety, they are advised to contact CPSO at 503-725-4407.

As always, support services are available on campus for anyone who feels affected by this or another incident at the Women’s Resource Center and the Center for Student Health and Counseling.