WEEKLY LUPD ACTIVITY SUMMARY
September 20, 2026 – September 27, 2026
During the week of September 20 to September 27, 2026, the Lehigh University Police Department logged a total of 176 reported incidents. The overall campus climate was characterized by routine student services, including 70 residential and building lockouts, alongside alcohol-related medical responses, facility alarms, and traffic safety enforcement.
SIGNIFICANT INCIDENTS & CRIMES
- Crimes Against Property/Person:
- Fleeing Vehicle: On September 25, officers attempted to stop a motorcycle on Packer Avenue for an illegal passing violation. The operator fled the area, and the stop was terminated for safety reasons.
- Disorderly Conduct: On September 22, staff at Saucon Village reported an unknown individual engaged in disorderly behavior outside the facility before driving away. The incident remains under investigation.
- Theft: On September 23, staff at Packer Memorial Church reported the theft of a power supply unit from a digital display sign. The case remains open.
- Online Threat Investigation: On September 22, LUPD received a report regarding an anonymous, potentially threatening social media post directed at a student organization. The matter remains under investigation.
- Bias/Discriminatory Incidents: No bias or discriminatory incidents were reported during this period.
- Fraud/Drugs/Liquor:
- DUI Arrest: On September 24, officers conducted a traffic stop on Research Drive following erratic vehicle operation and a stop sign violation. The student driver was arrested for driving under the influence.
- Fraudulent Identification: On September 27, a student at Stevens House voluntarily surrendered a fraudulent identification card to staff and officers.
- Drug Abuse Violations: Two marijuana-related incidents were documented. On September 22, two students were cited after being observed smoking marijuana in a parking lot on Hill Drive. On September 26, four students fled on foot near House 99 following an odor of burning marijuana; officers stopped the individuals, confiscated paraphernalia, and referred the case for administrative review.
- Liquor Law Violations & Medical Amnesty: LUPD responded to nine liquor law violations involving underage possession or intoxication across campus, including calls at Alpha Gamma Delta, Smiley House, Stevens House, Taylor Gym, Alpha Epsilon Pi, Sayre Park Village A, Drown Hall, and Congdon House. Medical Amnesty principles applied under the Timothy Piazza Anti-Hazing and Safe Harbor Act during calls requiring emergency medical evaluations and hospital transports, ensuring students received critical care without administrative barriers.
- Facilities & Hazards:
- Radiator Leak: On September 24, a significant radiator water leak was reported in a student room at Carothers House; emergency maintenance personnel were dispatched to handle repairs.
- Fire Alarms: Fire alarms were triggered by cooking activities at Gamma Phi Beta, Trembley Park D, and Severs House, as well as a dust collector heat sensor at Building C; all locations were inspected and cleared by the fire department.
SECURITY ALARMS & UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS
- Suspicious Activity:
- On September 26, officers responded to a fraternity house on Upper Sayre Park Road for an encounter with uninvited guests; trespass warnings were issued to the non-affiliated individuals.
- On September 24, officers assisted the Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority Police Department with a K9 unit deployment regarding a regional bomb threat investigation.
- Security Breaches & Propped Doors:
- Perimeter checks located unlatched or unsecured doors at Alumni Memorial Building and Fairchild Laboratory, both of which were inspected and secured.
- Security Alarms:
- LUPD responded to seven door prop or held alarms across campus facilities, including Jordan Hall, Neville Hall, Alumni Memorial, Grace Hall, Zoellner Arts Center, and the Business Innovation Building. All doors were secured, and maintenance work orders were placed where mechanical issues were found. A burglary alarm at Risk Management was checked and confirmed secure.
TRAFFIC STOPS & ENFORCEMENT
- Traffic Stops: Officers conducted 11 traffic stops across campus and nearby roadways.
- Reasons: Operating without required headlights (6), failure to stop at stop signs (2), driving the wrong way on a one-way street (2), and stopping in a travel lane (1).
- Actions Taken: Issued verbal and written warnings for moving, lighting, and directional infractions.
SERVICE & LOGISTICS
- Lockouts: Handled 70 residential dorm room and campus facility lockout requests throughout the week.
- Welfare Checks ("Check Person"): Conducted six welfare checks, including responding to a parent request for a student with medical needs at Thornburg House, verifying a student experiencing elevated stress at Warren Square E, and removing an unescorted visitor at the Health, Science, and Technology Building.
- Assistance & Medical:
- Sick Person Responses (5): Responded to student medical calls, including an individual experiencing an allergic reaction at Sigma Phi Delta, students experiencing general illness at McClintic-Marshall House and Southside Commons, a medical check at Thornburg House, and a student connected with Counseling Services resources for exam-related anxiety.
- Injured Person Responses (1): Assisted a student at Richards House who suffered a sprained ankle after a fall; first aid was applied by LUEMS.
- Motorist & Transport Assists: Completed 2 vehicle lockout assists, 1 money escort for the University Center, freed an employee trapped in a freight elevator at EWFM Library, monitored a peaceful 20-minute Sodexo employee demonstration at Packer Avenue and Memorial Walkway, and provided courtesy student transports.
TRENDS & LESSONS LEARNED
- Social Media Caution: Students are encouraged to report anonymous or concerning social media posts directly to LUPD or campus administrators so they can be promptly investigated.
- Building Security: Occupants are reminded that propping doors open with objects like floor signs undermines electronic access controls and campus security.