Borough Police say two arrested at Frist may be linked to thefts

Borough Police arrested two suspects for possessing items stolen from eating clubs yesterday, after several incidents of theft occurred on campus and on Prospect Avenue over the weekend.

Early yesterday morning, the police arrested Borough resident Jimmy Wells, 20, and Township resident Corsica Gardner, 20, after Public Safety notified the police that they were trespassing in the Frist Campus Center, said Barry Weiser, Public Safety crime prevention specialist.

The men had been warned by Public Safety not to return to campus after previously being caught trespassing, he said.

Upon arresting the men, police found them in possession of a knife, a bag of marijuana and cellphones reported stolen from eating clubs on Thursday and Saturday, he said.

Both individuals were charged with defiant trespassing, possession of marijuana and stolen property. Wells was also charged with possession of a weapon. The two were released after being given a court date.

While Federico would not comment on whether the individuals were responsible for the previous thefts, Borough Police are continuing to investigate Wells and Gardner, he said.

There is also no evidence yet to suggest that the suspects are responsible for a series of thefts last week in Rockefeller and Mathey colleges, Weiser said.

"We're looking into a series of thefts [in the area] that these subjects have been involved in," said Capt. Anthony Federico, public relations officer for Borough Police. "[The suspects] have a history of illegal activity."

"Burglary charges may be pending," he added.

In three incidents reported between Friday night and Sunday night, cellphones, cash and credit cards were stolen from coat pockets. In addition, coats were stolen from coatrooms at Quadrangle and Tower clubs, according to police reports.

In past weeks, thefts of coats and backpacks have prompted several club presidents to send emails to their members urging them to be careful with their belongings and watch out for nonmembers in the clubs.

Public Safety responded to four incidents of backpack theft from the Rockefeller and Mathey common rooms during meals last week, he said.

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One of the backpacks was found without any items missing, another was found with items removed, and the other two have yet to be found, he said.

"We've spent a lot of time [in Rocky and Mathey]," Weiser said. Since patrols have been increased during meal times, there have been no additional thefts, he added.

Also, a printer was reported stolen from 1903 Hall on Sunday, Weiser said.

Despite the series of thefts from dining halls and eating clubs, Weiser said the number of incidents is not unusual, cautioning students to pay attention to their belongings and keep doors locked.