News Summary
Recent police reports from Grand Rapids Community College reveal a troubling series of incidents on campus, including vehicle break-ins, hit-and-run accidents, and vandalism. The reported incidents highlight ongoing safety concerns for students and staff, with thefts and harassment issues raising alarms among the college community. As transparency improves with FOIA requests, the community remains vigilant for safety measures.
Grand Rapids, MI – Recent police reports from the Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) Police Department detail a series of incidents on campus, including vehicle break-ins, hit-and-run accidents, and acts of vandalism. The reports have been made available following a recent change in access policy now requiring a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request for inquiry.
On April 2, a student reported a break-in at Ramp A, where their car was found with the console and glove box opened. Despite the disturbance, no valuable items were stolen, and there was no evidence of forced entry. The student suspected their key fob may have malfunctioned, leaving the doors unlocked. The following day, the same student received a call regarding an empty pill bottle with her name, which she subsequently disposed of at a safe medications drop-off location.
Incident reports continued into April, with an officer responding to the GRCC library on April 3 to address a student’s failure to return library materials. The student was informed that they could not check out any new items until they returned those previously borrowed. The student later admitted to having one book and promised to return it, which he eventually did on April 7.
Two hit-and-run incidents were reported on April 9, the first involving a GRCC student whose Chevy Malibu was struck while waiting in Parking Ramp A. The perpetrator’s vehicle was described as a black Cadillac. It was noted that security cameras may not have provided clear footage of the event. The second incident involved a white GMC Terrain hit by a silver Chevy Cruze, with the Cruze driver admitting fault under the belief he impacted a cement pillar. This driver was referred to the Student Code of Conduct for potential disciplinary consequences.
On April 14, a theft was reported by a GRCC employee who had left a leaf blower worth approximately $400 unattended during a restroom break. Police activity continued throughout April, as officers were dispatched on April 17 to Bostwick Commons regarding reports of harassment directed at students. Although the suspect was identified, he fled before officers arrived and was given a trespass warning.
Another incident occurred on April 18, where security personnel discovered damage to the staff exit gate at Parking Ramp A. A review of camera footage indicated that a red truck had inadvertently caused the damage while attempting to exit.
Vandalism reports peaked toward the end of April, with graffiti found on a charging table in South Commons on April 25, incurring damages estimated at $1,310. This pattern continued on April 28 when the first-floor men’s bathroom in the Science Building was found defaced, with markings etched and written on the stall wall. The string of vandalism incidents extended to May 3, with black spray paint graffiti noted on RJF Hall containing a smiley face among other designs.
On May 7, a man sleeping at Bostwick Office Suites was reported and subsequently issued a trespass warning after identification checks clarified his situation. The following day, another vehicle break-in occurred on Ransom Avenue, where a wallet containing $60 in cash, debit cards, and a Social Security card was reported stolen.
On May 13, officers investigated a disorderly conduct report following a confrontation near South Commons. Visual evidence indicated one individual may have been carrying a knife, although no engagement was reported during the incident. Overall, the GRCC Police Department’s reports reflect various issues associated with larcenies, disturbances, and campus safety concerns that continue to affect the student population and staff at the college.
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Additional Resources
- The Collegiate Live: Hit and Run, Trespassing, and Other Crimes Reports at GRCC
- MLive: Grand Rapids Community College Appoints Native as New Interim President
- Crain’s Grand Rapids: Minority-Owned Design Firm Accuses GRCC of Discrimination
- Google Search: Grand Rapids Community College Crime Reports
- Rapid City Journal: Local Crime and Courts
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Grand Rapids Community College
