Mississippi Christian University is investigating a weekend burglary at one of its residence halls.
In an email obtained by SuperTalk Mississippi News, the school’s director of public safety, Mike Warren, notified students and staff that an unidentified individual entered multiple dorm rooms in the early morning hours of Nov. 8.
At around 12:44 a.m., the suspect, identified as Black male standing at approximately 6-foot-2, allegedly entered the Ratliff Residence Hall through an open bathroom window in the building’s basement. After reviewing surveillance footage, school officials determined that the suspect entered 18 dorm rooms through unlocked doors. Several of the rooms were reportedly occupied by residents who were still awake.
The residents are said to have contacted the Mississippi Christian University Office of Public Safety, which responded within two minutes of receiving the initial call. By the time officers arrived at the scene, the suspect had reportedly already escaped through the same window he is believed to have entered the residence hall through.
Officials said the suspect was last seen running northbound on Capitol Street around 1:43 a.m. The suspect is believed to be in his late 20s or early 30s. He was last seen wearing a light gray sweatshirt, gray pants, black slide-style shoes, and a red hat.
“The Mississippi Christian University Office of Public Safety and the Clinton Police Department are working together to identify the individual and determine whether any property was stolen during the incident,” Warren said in the email. “Anyone with information regarding this incident or who may be able to help identify the individual is encouraged to contact the Mississippi Christian University Office of Public Safety at 601-925-3204 or the Clinton Police Department at 601-924-5252.”
As officials investigate this case, Mississippi Christian University reminds students to lock their dorm room doors, ensure exterior doors to residence halls are fully closed, and secure windows. Students are also reminded to watch for strangers or unauthorized personnel on campus and report suspicious activity.
“Be aware of your surroundings. Pay attention to unfamiliar individuals in residence halls and do not allow unknown individuals to follow you into secured buildings,” Warren added. “If you observe suspicious activity, contact Public Safety immediately. Do not attempt to confront suspicious individuals.”