WEEKLY LUPD ACTIVITY SUMMARY
September 6, 2026 – September 13, 2026
During the week of September 6 to September 13, 2026, the Lehigh University Police Department logged a total of 212 reported incidents. Campus activity reflected a high volume of routine student service requests typical of the early academic semester, highlighted by 103 residential and facility lockouts, alongside medical calls, welfare checks, and standard campus safety patrols.
SIGNIFICANT INCIDENTS & CRIMES
- Crimes Against Property/Person:
- Hazing Investigation: On September 13, LUPD initiated an investigation into a hazing allegation involving members of the men's swim team at off-campus and on-campus residential locations. The case remains open under active investigation.
- Harassment: On September 7, a student reported ongoing harassment by members of Sigma Phi Epsilon at their residential facility, including general lewd behavior. The investigation is open.
- Disturbing Photo on Vehicle: On September 12, an attendee at a football game at the Rust Family Pavilion reported a disturbing photograph taped to their vehicle. No vehicle damage occurred, and no suspects are known at this time.
- Fleeing Vehicle: On September 9, officers attempted a traffic stop on a motorcycle displaying a fraudulent license plate near Brodhead Avenue and Summit Street after it ran a stop sign. The motorcycle fled onto campus, and the pursuit was immediately terminated for safety reasons. The case remains open.
- Off-Campus Incident Assistance: On September 13, officers assisted Bethlehem Police with an off-campus dispute on Birkel Avenue involving a runaway dog and an intoxicated individual, resulting in an arrest by local police.
- Fraud/Drugs/Liquor:
- Sextortion / Fraud: On September 7, a student at Singleton House reported being extorted for money after sharing intimate photos over text message. The case is open under investigation.
- Fraudulent Identification: Four separate incidents involving fake IDs were documented. On September 11, a recovered wallet containing two fraudulent driver's licenses at Christmas-Saucon Hall was referred to the Dean of Students. On September 12, fraudulent IDs were confiscated during an EMS evaluation on Upper Sayre Park Road, an underage alcohol check on Upper Sayre Park Road, and a traffic stop at Upper Sayre Park Road and Hill Road.
- Liquor Law Violations & Medical Amnesty: LUPD responded to 11 liquor law violations involving underage drinking or public intoxication across campus, including calls at Williams House, Thornburg House, Stevens House, Delta Upsilon, and surrounding streets. Medical Amnesty principles were applied during medical evaluations, ensuring students experiencing severe intoxication received necessary care without administrative barriers, while other violations resulted in citations or administrative referrals.
- Facilities & Hazards:
- Fire Alarms & Appliance Hazards: Fire alarms were triggered by a melted air fryer at Trembley Park C and flat iron grill maintenance at Theta Chi; Bethlehem Fire Department inspected and cleared both locations.
- Off-Campus Alarm Assistance: On September 9, officers assisted local responders with a carbon monoxide alarm at an off-campus residence on Webster Street, which yielded negative readings.
SECURITY ALARMS & UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS
- Suspicious Activity:
- On September 6, residents on Van Buren Street reported a suspicious individual outside their residence who claimed to be an employee; officers checked the area and eventually determined the person to be a landlord employee.
- On September 7, a driver parked on the sidewalk outside the University Center to take photographs of their vehicle and was advised by officers to keep vehicles on designated roadways.
- On September 11, officers dispersed a group of automobiles and motorcycles that had assembled inside a campus parking deck after speaking with the group's organizer.
- Security Breaches & Propped Doors:
- Perimeter checks revealed unsecured doors and gates, including an open east gate at Goodman Stadium, an unlatched tunnel door at Whitaker Lab, and an open gate at Sayre Fields; all were inspected and secured by officers.
- Security Alarms:
- LUPD responded to three door prop or held alarms at Rauch Business Center, Caruso Wrestling Complex, and Williams Hall, securing doors and submitting work orders where mechanical issues were identified. A panel tamper alarm at the Golf Learning Center was also addressed.
TRAFFIC STOPS & ENFORCEMENT
- Traffic Stops: Officers conducted eight traffic stops across campus and surrounding streets.
- Reasons: Failure to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks (1), driving the wrong way on one-way streets (2), operating without required headlights (2), headlight and expired inspection/emissions violations (1), operating a mini bike with multiple infractions (1), and driving with expired vehicle registration (1).
- Actions Taken: Issued verbal warnings for moving and lighting infractions, and issued police warning notice cards for vehicle registration and inspection compliance.
SERVICE & LOGISTICS
- Lockouts: Handled 103 residential dorm room and campus building lockout requests throughout the week.
- Welfare Checks ("Check Person"): Conducted four welfare checks, including advising a student found walking on a roof at Delta Upsilon, checking on a student at Brodhead House at a family member's request, and evaluating an intoxicated individual on Brodhead Avenue who was being assisted home safely by a companion.
- Assistance & Medical:
- Sick Person Responses (7): Responded to student medical calls, including an individual experiencing a panic-related response at Singleton House, a student requesting a mental health evaluation at Southside Commons who was connected with the emergency on-call counselor, minor medical evaluations at McClintic-Marshall House and Alpha Phi, a bee sting at Emery House, and a non-affiliated medical response at Goodman Stadium.
- Injured Person Responses (2): Assisted a student at Stoughton House who sustained a forehead laceration from an item thrown at a party the previous evening, and a student who suffered a hand injury while skateboarding off campus.
- Motorist & Transport Assists: Completed 2 vehicle jump-starts, 1 vehicle lockout assist, 1 bank money escort for Zoellner Arts Center, and provided courtesy transports for students.
TRENDS & LESSONS LEARNED
- Digital Privacy & Extortion Awareness: Students are urged to exercise caution when sharing sensitive or intimate images electronically. Sextortion scams often target individuals through text messaging or online platforms, and any extortion attempts should be reported immediately to LUPD.
- Perimeter & Door Security: Open perimeter gates and propped-open facility doors compromise campus safety. Community members are reminded to ensure all exterior access doors close and latch properly.