Dear AU Colleagues,   

We want to make you aware that at approximately 12 p.m. today, three unauthorized individuals drove a vehicle into the garage at 4401 Connecticut Ave. NW. A witness contacted American University Police Department (AUPD) who immediately responded to the scene. The three individuals did not yield to an AUPD officer who attempted to challenge them. Two of the suspects fled in their vehicle and another fled in a Hyundai that was stolen from the garage. AUPD believes the suspects used an electronic override device to access the vehicle which has been identified as belonging to an American University employee.

The Metropolitan Police Department has been notified, as the suspects are still at large. Additionally, an AUPD officer will be present 24/7 at the garage entrance.

General Safety Tips

• Be sure to lock your car and do not leave anything of value in plain sight.
• Be aware of those around you and of your surroundings in general.
• Carry your cell phone and keep it accessible.
• Be aware of the emergency telephones (yellow boxes on pillars, blue light phone towers, and red telephones) located on campus, in building lobbies, elevators, and in parking lots).

Please remember to program the University Police Department number into your cell phone for emergencies: (202) 885-3636. Call 911 if you are off campus.

Additionally, the University Police provides escorts, twenty-four hours a day/seven days a week, for community members to and from university-owned property. To arrange an escort, call (202) 885-2527 or use a blue light or red emergency phone.

If you are a student, faculty, or staff, download the Rave Guardian Safety App.

Sincerely,

Bronté Burleigh-Jones
Chief Financial Officer, Vice President, and Treasurer

Phillip Morse
Assistant Vice President, AU Police and Emergency Management