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UWPD officers stop construction site copper theft

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It started by noticing an open gate.

In the wee hours of Aug. 30, UW Police Department officers interrupted three people in the act of stealing copper from the UW’s under-demolition Chemistry Library. The demo clears the way for the new Chemical Sciences Building.

The project site is securely fenced. At least it was when workers left the site.

Officers on patrol noted the open gate and investigated to find a pile of copper stacked inside with a large SUV parked nearby. They found three people in the act of taking more copper from the site. The trio, who are not affiliated with the UW, were taken into custody and will face charges, including for theft.

Copper theft has plagued not just UW, but, also, construction and infrastructure projects all over the Northwest.

Kudos to the officers for their awareness and smart intervention!

UWPD welcomes Deputy Chief Dave Fontenot

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UWPD Deputy Chief Dave FontenotIn August, the UW Police Department welcomed a new deputy chief who already knows his way around the University of Washington.

Deputy Chief Dave Fontenot returns to Montlake after previously working for the department in 2006-2009 as an officer and field trainer. He has more than 30 years of law enforcement experience in Washington state in numerous capacities, including patrol, training, investigations and administration.

Fontenot is committed to supporting the University’s mission by ensuring a secure environment for all students, faculty, staff and visitors, and by promoting trust and partnership between law enforcement and the campus community. He’s also a strong believer in public service and team building.

“I am guided by the department’s mission to protect and serve with integrity, professionalism, and respect by upholding the values of accountability, transparency, and collaboration,” Fontenot said. “Throughout my career, I have championed innovative approaches to public safety, community engagement and ethical policing, and will continue to develop a strong sense of what is present here at the amazing University of Washington.”

Welcome back, DC Fontenot!

UWPD launches bait bike program to catch thieves

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An illustration of a purple bike with UWPD on the side next to a tree with a fishing line and hook connected to the back wheelTo help curb the rising number of bike and e-bike thefts on campus, the UW Police Department recently launched a bait bike program that’s already getting results.

It didn’t take long for someone to take the bait. Just 45 minutes after officers first placed the bait bike, a person attempted to steal it. The suspect, who had active criminal warrants, was taken into custody. Criminal charges for theft will be forwarded to the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

As word gets out about the bait bike, UWPD hopes it will deter theft, reducing the overall number of stolen bikes and e-bikes on campus. The UWPD program is similar to successful bait bike strategies used by other city and university police departments across the county.

To help keep your bike safe, officers recommend:

Lock up bikes and scooters

Use a U lock, and consider using two locks. Yes, this is inconvenient, but it can make it significantly tougher for thieves to take your bike or scooter. If you’re leaving your ride for an extended time, use a U lock and a chain lock. Lock your bike or scooter to a strong anchor, like a bike rack. Or consider using a UW bike house or individual bike locker.

Report suspicious activity near bike racks

This helps UWPD catch thieves in the act. You can call 911 for immediate danger or the UWPD non-emergency line at 206-685-UWPD (8973).

Register your bike or scooter

Register your e-bike or e-scooter with Bike Index. Knowing your serial number makes it easier to return your bike to you if it ever gets lost or stolen and then recovered. Recovery does happen!

6-13-26 Robbery

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University of Washington police are investigating after a teenager reported that a man stole his electric motorcycle after threatening him and punching him in the face at about 5:25 p.m. Saturday, June 13, in the C12 parking lot near Wilcox Hall. The suspect then fled northwest on Mason Road pushing the motorcycle while the victim ran toward the Burke Gilman Trail.

UWPD officers conducted an extensive search of the area but were unable to find the suspect.
The suspect was described as approximately 5-foot-8 to 5-foot-11 inches, with a muscular build, greasy black hair and wearing a white T-shirt and flared black pants.

The teenager found his stolen motorcycle two hours later via an Apple AirTag near the Winkenwerder Forest Sciences Laboratory.

If you witnessed the incidents or have additional information about these crimes or the suspect, please call the University of Washington Police Department at 206-685-8973 and reference case number 2026-10570. To report a crime in progress, or other suspicious activities or persons, call 911.

Learn more about University of Washington safety resources.

4-20-26 Sexual Assault

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University of Washington police are investigating after a person affiliated with the UW reported being grabbed and sexually assaulted at around 2:52 p.m. near the 3900 block of Cowlitz Road NE. After the assault,the suspect fled the area.

The suspect was described as a man with short black hair, a short beard, and a slim build. He is approximately 5-foot-9, in his 30s, and was wearing a black undershirt, a purple outer shirt, shorts and a silver or white bracelet.

If you witnessed the incidents or have additional information about these crimes or the suspect, please call the University of Washington Police Department at 206-685-8973 and reference case number 2026-6661. To report a crime in progress, or other suspicious activities or persons, call 911.

The UW provides victims/survivors of sexual assault, relationship violence, stalking and sexual harassment an array of resources that reflect the University’s commitment to preventing and responding to sex- and gender-based violence, harassment and discrimination. Find out how to access confidential support, address safety concerns, locate medical care and counseling providers and make a report to the University or law enforcement.

Learn more about University of Washington safety resources.

4-17-26 Assaults

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University of Washington police are investigating after four people who are affiliated with the UW reported being assaulted during the afternoon of Friday, April 17, on the southwest part of the UW campus. The man reportedly punched one person, grabbed, choked and hit a second person, then choked a third person near Architecture Hall. A fourth person called UWPD later to report being assaulted outside of Maple Hall by a person matching the suspect’s description. All victims declined medical assistance at the time of the initial response.

UW police officers found the suspect near the intersection of 15th Avenue NE and NE 40th Street by Gould Hall, where he’d reportedly damaged artwork. The man was arrested and booked into the King County Jail on suspicion of multiple assaults and malicious mischief.

The suspect was also seen 1:45-2:30 p.m. on April 17 near Stevens Court, the Applied Physics Laboratory, Maple Hall, Architecture Hall and the Hans Rosling Center for Population Health. The man was about 5-foot-9, with long black dreadlocks and a beard, wearing a blue hooded sweatshirt or jacket and jeans.

If you witnessed the incidents or have additional information about these crimes or the suspect, please call the University of Washington Police Department at 206-685-8973 and reference case number 2026-6476. To report a crime in progress, or other suspicious activities or persons, call 911.

Learn more about University of Washington safety resources.

4-8-26 Attempted Robbery

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University of Washington police responded to a report of an attempted robbery at about 10 p.m. yesterday, April 7, that occurred on Mason Place NE near the North Physics Laboratory. A man told police that he was walking to his hotel with his luggage when he was grabbed from behind by his backpack. Two suspects threatened him and tried to take his backpack and duffle bag. The man, who is not currently an employee or student of the UW, was able to escape after swinging his duffle bag at them. The suspects then ran south on the Burke-Gilman Trail. The man used a blue emergency tower in a nearby parking lot to call UW police. The suspects were described as men; one was about 5-foot-11 and the other was about 6-foot-2. No further description of the suspects was available.

If you witnessed the incident or have additional information about this crime or the suspect, please call the University of Washington Police Department at 206-685-8973 and reference case number 2026-5789. To report a crime in progress, or other suspicious activities or persons, call 911.

Warning: Scammers are pretending to be UWPD officers

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In the past few days, the UW Police Department has received more than 20 reports of scam phone calls that look like they’re coming from the UWPD non-emergency number, 206-685-8973 or the UWPD front desk phone number, 206-543-0507.

The scammer pretends to be a UWPD officer and demands money, telling callers they need to pay or they’ll be arrested. If you get a call like this, please do not share personal information or send money, gift cards or anything of value. The UWPD will never call you to ask for money.

If someone contacts you claiming to be with the UWPD, hang up and call the UWPD non-emergency line at 206-685-8973 to speak with the on-duty dispatcher. The dispatcher can confirm whether an officer is actually trying to reach you.

Learn more about how to avoid scams targeting the UW community.

1-25-26 Sexual Assault

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Seattle police are investigating a sexual assault that was reported shortly before midnight Sunday, Jan. 25, in the 4500 block of 21st Avenue NE. The assault was reported as happening in a house bathroom during a party. The suspect was described as a man with brunette hair and a goatee, about 5-foot-10, wearing a gray Patagonia jacket and jeans. The person who was assaulted did not know the suspect.

If you witnessed the incident or have additional information about this crime or the suspect, please call the Seattle Police Department violent crime tip line at 206-233-5000 and reference case 2026-23473. To report a crime in progress, or other suspicious activities or persons, call 911.

The UW provides victims/survivors of sexual assault, relationship violence, stalking and sexual harassment an array of resources that reflect the University’s commitment to preventing and responding to sex- and gender-based violence, harassment and discrimination. Find out how to access confidential support, address safety concerns, locate medical care and counseling providers and make a report to the University or law enforcement.

Learn more about University of Washington safety resources.

1-23-26 Weapons and Trespass

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Notification of Criminal Incident

January 23, 2026

University of Washington police arrested two men in connection with weapons charges and removed two others from Oliver Hall at about 12:30 a.m. today, Jan. 23. Officers responded to the Oliver Hall lounge after receiving a report of people inside the building who weren’t residents. They found all four men were not UW students.

Officers discovered two of the men were carrying guns without concealed pistol licenses. After arresting the men, they found an additional gun in a bag in the room. At this time, police have found no indication that the men were inside Oliver Hall to commit any additional crimes other than trespassing. The two men who were arrested were booked into the King County Jail and all four were banned from the UW campus and are no longer permitted to be on campus grounds.

UWPD appreciates the person who reported the trespassing and encourages all student housing residents to call 911 if they see someone in their building who shouldn’t be there. Students can also contact their Resident Assistant on call with concerns. Only students who live in a residence hall and their guests should be inside the building. All residents are asked to tap their Husky Cards to get access to their buildings to help keep buildings safe — please don’t hold the door open for people entering the building behind you.

If you witnessed the incident or have additional information about this crime or the suspect, please call the University of Washington Police Department at 206-685-8973. To report a crime in progress, or other suspicious activities or persons, call 911.

Learn more about University of Washington safety resources.