As we head into spring break, this edition of Police Beat will get you up to speed on some notable campus crimes from the month of February, courtesy of our partnership with the University of Arizona Police Department. From bathroom breaks gone wrong to U-Hauls doubling as drug dens, February’s Police Beat has it all. Enjoy the break, and stay safe out there, Wildcats!

Bathroom break turns hostile in Buffalo Spot parking lot

On Feb. 1 around midnight, a male student asked a group of unknown individuals if he could relieve himself near their truck in the Buffalo Spot parking lot. Instead of granting permission, one of the individuals grabbed the student by the throat with both hands, choking him and threatening to kill him if he didn’t leave.

Due to a higher-priority call, the Tucson Police Department was unable to send a unit to the scene and the suspect fled before the University of Arizona Police Department could arrive. The student later informed UAPD that he sought medical attention due to soreness from the assault.

Brawl erupts at Pi Kappa Phi, shuts down party

On Feb. 1 around 9 p.m., UAPD responded to reports of a large fight outside the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity house during a loud party. The Tucson Fire Department, while leaving Banner University Medical Center, encountered a brawl involving 30-40 people blocking the road. After honking their horn to clear the area, TFD reported the situation to the police.

By the time officers arrived, most of the crowd had fled. A fraternity member who had been assaulted during the fight said that he had removed a non-member and a female from a private room, which led to the altercation.

The party was shut down for obstructing emergency vehicle access to the hospital. The case report indicates that the Tucson Police Department’s Red Tag Unit was contacted.

Student assaults custodial staff member with eggs

On Feb. 11 at around 5:45 p.m., a UA custodial staff member reported being targeted with flying eggs near Kaibab Residence Hall.

While working near the Global Center, the staff member heard eggs smash on the ground about 10 feet away. As he moved to a nearby alley, another egg struck the sidewalk near him. He then spotted a male student in a dorm window, appearing to be the source of the egg bombardment.

UAPD officers contacted the resident of the room in question, who admitted to throwing the eggs. The student was cited and released for Assault-No Injury (ARS 13-1203A2) and referred to the Dean of Students for a Code of Conduct violation.

Shoplifting attempt at UA Campus Store ends in drug arrest

On Feb. 10 at approximately 6 p.m., officers responded to a shoplifting incident at the UA Campus Store involving three suspects.

Two individuals — a male and a female — pushed past Campus Store staff and fled, while a third female suspect remained inside. Upon contacting her, officers discovered she had an active warrant from TPD and was in possession of blue M30 pills and an ID belonging to the male suspect who had escaped.

Security footage showed the suspect stuffing a pair of Lululemon pants into her bag, though she ultimately returned them after the other suspects were stopped at the door.

The female suspect was arrested and booked into Pima County Jail for narcotic drug possession and the outstanding warrant.

Gun displayed near FiiZ Drinks prompts UAlert

On Feb. 12 at approximately 9:30 p.m., a female student reported that an individual had displayed a firearm near FiiZ Drinks on University Boulevard.

According to the student, the suspect lifted his shirt to reveal a firearm but did not point it at anyone.

A UAlert was sent at 9:33 p.m. describing the suspect as a white male, approximately 17-19 years old, with a thin build, dressed in all black and wearing a ski mask. He was accompanied by a group of six other male individuals of similar age.

Both UAPD and TPD officers searched the area but were unable to locate the suspect.

Stolen U-Haul leads to drug, weapons bust

On Feb. 13, UAPD officers located a stolen U-Haul near Drachman and Ring Road after security footage flagged the vehicle.

Upon stopping the vehicle, officers discovered the driver had an active felony probation violation warrant. A subsequent search of the U-Haul revealed a staggering drug inventory: 136 blue M30 pills, Alprazolam (Xanax), methamphetamine and other unidentified substances. Additionally, officers found a master set of UA keys, multiple IDs belonging to different people and two handguns.

The suspect was arrested and booked into Pima County Jail on multiple charges, including theft of means of transportation, three counts of aggravated DUI, multiple drug possession charges with intent to sell and two counts of weapons misconduct.

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