WEEKLY LUPD ACTIVITY SUMMARY
September 13, 2026 – September 20, 2026
During the week of September 13 to September 20, 2026, the Lehigh University Police Department logged a total of 194 reported incidents. The overall campus climate remained steady with standard semester service requests, including 66 residential and facility lockouts, routine property checks, dignitary security escorts, and medical assist calls.
SIGNIFICANT INCIDENTS & CRIMES
- Crimes Against Property/Person:
- Harassment: On September 16, a staff member in Student Affairs at Christmas-Saucon Hall reported receiving harassing phone calls. A victim's rights form was issued, and an investigation is ongoing.
- Off-Campus Property Theft: On September 18, stolen porch cushions were reported from an off-campus residential porch on Fillmore Street affiliated with the lacrosse team.
- Disorderly Conduct: On September 20, video surveillance captured a physical altercation involving two unidentified individuals on West Morton Street.
- Fraud/Drugs/Liquor:
- False Identification: On September 17, a student surrendered a false identification card at the police station following university administrative direction, and the item was destroyed. On September 20, local police notified LUPD that two students were arrested off campus for public drunkenness and possessing false identification.
- Drug Abuse Violations: On September 17, a non-affiliated individual was found in possession of marijuana and paraphernalia inside a vehicle on Dravo Drive. Citations were issued, and the individual was removed from campus.
- Liquor Law Violations & Medical Amnesty: Officers responded to five liquor law violations involving underage drinking or public intoxication. Medical Amnesty principles applied under the Timothy Piazza Anti-Hazing and Safe Harbor Act during medical evaluations on East Packer Avenue and McConn House.
- Facilities & Hazards:
- Gas Odor Inspection: On September 15, Wilbur Powerhouse was inspected following a report of a gas odor. Fire Department personnel determined the source was sewer gas, presenting no hazard to the community.
- Power Outage: On September 14, utility work on Carlton Avenue caused a temporary power outage affecting Warren Square and nearby facilities. A HawkWatch notification was issued until power was restored.
- Fire Alarms: Careless cooking triggered a fire alarm at Southside Commons on September 18, which was cleared by the fire department.
SECURITY ALARMS & UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS
- Suspicious Activity:
- On September 16, officers assisted the Pennsylvania State Police with security and motorcade escort for a visit by the Lieutenant Governor at Chandler Ullmann.
- On September 16, a student on Packer Avenue reported a suspicious brown sedan whose occupants attempted to initiate conversation; the vehicle left the area.
- On September 13, an unescorted visitor at Maida House was assisted after getting lost while visiting a relative, with resident confirmation provided.
- On September 16, a student at Dravo House reported an unwanted phone call; officers advised them to block the number.
- Security Breaches & Propped Doors:
- Perimeter checks located open gates on College Drive and North Parking Lot, as well as an unlatched door at Stabler Arena; all were secured. A suite door at the Business Innovation Building was found propped open and was secured.
- Security Alarms:
- Extended door prop alarms were checked and secured at Brodhead House, Jordan Hall, and Cundey Varsity House. Burglary alarms at Building J (caused by staff error) and Risk Management were inspected and cleared.
TRAFFIC STOPS & ENFORCEMENT
- Traffic Stops: Officers conducted 13 traffic stops across campus and surrounding streets.
- Reasons: Driving without required headlights (4), failure to stop at stop signs (2), driving the wrong way on a one-way street (1), improper U-turn (1), modified exhaust (1), unattached bumper (1), passenger leaning out of a sunroof (1), and a sobriety check (1).
- Actions Taken: Issued verbal warnings for traffic and equipment infractions. The driver evaluated for potential impairment was determined sober and released with warnings.
SERVICE & LOGISTICS
- Lockouts: Handled 66 residential dorm room and campus facility lockout requests throughout the week.
- Welfare Checks ("Check Person"): Conducted six checks, including assisting a local bike shop owner servicing rental bikes at Farrington Square Garage, advising six students walking on Upper Sayre Park Road trails that park trails close at dusk, and addressing two students moving a large tree branch on University Drive.
- Assistance & Medical:
- Sick Person Responses (9): Responded to student medical calls, including two fainting/fall incidents resulting in head strikes at Drinker House and Taylor Gym (both transported to the hospital), a psychological evaluation transport from the Health Center, exercise-induced fatigue at Webster Street, vendor dizziness at Stabler Arena, and minor illness evaluations at Taylor House, Dravo House, and McClintic-Marshall House.
- Motorist & Transport Assists: Completed 4 vehicle jump-starts, 2 vehicle lockout assists, 2 bank money escorts (Zoellner Arts Center and Stabler Arena), assisted with escorting an employee at the University Center, and provided student courtesy transports.
TRENDS & LESSONS LEARNED
- Trail Closure Awareness: Students are reminded that campus park trails close from dusk until dawn for safety purposes.
- Vehicle Operation Safety: Passengers must remain safely seated inside moving vehicles at all times. Allowing individuals to lean out of sunroofs or windows poses significant safety risks.