Crime Watch: OUPD remains busy as the semester ramps up
[dropcap txtcolor="#234a83" style="dropcap1"]A[/dropcap]fter a packed first weekend, OUPD continue to issue citations for sexaul assault, alcohol, and drug use.
Ohio University Police Department remained busy after Ohio U’s opening weekend with crimes continuing on campus through the following weeks.These crimes included two rape charges, one of which was additionally charged with kidnapping. The full details of the offenses have yet to be released by OUPD.In the three weeks since classes have began at Ohio U, a total of six cases of rape and two of sexual imposition have been reported between the Athens City and Ohio U police departments.[AdSense-A]Another individual was stopped by OUPD for driving without headlights at night, while proceeding to turn into opposing traffic on a one-way street. After pulling the suspect over, the officer noticed a strong smell of marijuana and an open container of alcohol in the driver’s cupholder. The 18-year-old suspect was ultimately charged with possession of marijuana, operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol, driving with a suspended license, open container, and driving the wrong way down a one-way street.Of the 11 alcohol-related citations, two were accompanied with charges for criminal trespassing; the individuals were found by an officer on the scaffolding and roof of the Jennings House.OUPD also detained three people who were intoxicated and unable to properly speak. They were sent to the Southeastern Ohio Regional Jail where they were held and released pending sobriety. Two individuals were brought to OhioHealth O’Bleness Hospital for severe alcohol intoxication, one of whom was found on the street unresponsive and covered in vomit with their eyes open. University police also responded to a fire alarm set off inside Carr Hall. Upon executing a search warrant on the residence, police obtained possible narcotics. They delivered charges of inducing panic and possession of a controlled substance. Between Aug. 31 and Sept. 9, OUPD also issued a total of 11 citations for the possession of marijuana — the majority were obtained by students smoking outside of residence halls and at routine traffic stops.