VCU Police arrest theft suspect, recover thousands in electronics

Erica Terrini

News Editor

VCU Police are investigating the arrest of a student suspect, who officers believe might be linked to  stolen electronic equipment from VCU buildings over the past year.

According to Capt. Grant Warren of the VCU Police Department, officers Varian Beverly and Gregory Felton responded to a call from a univerity professor, who claimed the suspect attempted to break into the back door of Harris Hall on the Monroe Park Campus.

Officers Beverly and Felton apprehended and arrested the suspect after arriving on the scene. Capt. Warren said, after further investigation, the officers and other detectives were able to identify thousands of dollars worth of electronic equipment they believe to be related to similar burglary and thefts from the past year.

Police Chief John Venuti stated in a press release that he commends the professor for immediately contacting the VCU Police and “recognizes the excellent police work put forth by Officers Verian Beverly, Greg Felton, Detectives Lt. Sean Ingram, Sgt. Ervin Taylor and other dedicated officers who assissted with the investigation.”

Venuti stated in order to prevent crimes on campus, he encourages partnerships between students, faculty and staff. He stated the recent investigation exemplifies the dedication to community policing, which is useful in providing organizational strategies to solve and prevent crimes.

According to Capt. Warren, this community based philosophy is not a new direction for VCU Police. He said he has witnessed crime reports increase and the numbers of burglaries and larecenies decrease since he has been working for the department.

For more information about crime statistics and reports, visit www.vcu.edu/police.