As many of you have heard by now, UC Merced Police Officers responded to a stabbing this morning on the UC Merced campus. Two students, a university employee, and a construction worker suffered non-life threatening injuries. The suspect, described as a male student in his 20’s, was confronted by UC police where he was shot and killed by the officers.
UC Santa Cruz officers, as well as officers from several UC campuses and local area agencies, have been sent to assist with the investigation. Crisis counselors from throughout the UC system have also been sent.
Acts of violence such as this are shocking and disheartening. We hope they never happen on our campus, but unfortunately, they can. The best we can do is be prepared, look out for one another, and immediately call 911 to report crimes in progress and suspicious activity.
Like UC Merced, we have an emergency notification system, CruzAlert, which is used to quickly communicate information during emergencies. I urge you to take the time to make sure their information is up to date. Communication is crucial during emergencies.
Additionally, the campus community serves as the eyes and ears for our police officers. It is imperative that we all do our part to share in the responsibility to maintain a safety community and care for one another. To help us maintain a safe community, please:
- Immediately report all crimes, suspicious people, activity or information to the UC Santa Cruz Police Department.
- Be alert to your surroundings. Your actions can help prevent others from becoming victims. Attempt to keep a safe distance from strangers.
- Trust your instincts. If something or someone makes you uneasy, tell someone, avoid the person or leave the area.
- Encourage friends to travel in pairs or with trusted companions, especially at night or in remote areas.
- Use the Night Safety Escort Program, Monday through Thursday evening from 8:30 p.m. to 12:15 a.m. by calling (831) 459-2231. More information can be found online.
