UPD Alert

Crime Alert

Attempted Kidnapping

Tuesday, February 10, 2009, at approximately 2:56 p.m., University of Mississippi police officers responded to the attempted kidnapping of an Ole Miss student on the Oxford campus. The victim was accosted while crossing Rebel Drive near Miller Hall. The suspect, Wayne Crowe, 61, of Taylor, Mississippi, is alleged to have grabbed the victim from behind and attempted to pull her in the direction of his vehicle when bystanders intervened and notified UPD. Police arrived less than a minute of receiving the call and apprehended Crowe who was still on the scene. Crowe was taken into custody without incident. The victim was shaken and received minor bruises and abrasions. Crowe is being detained at the Lafayette County Detention Center on the charge of attempted kidnapping. There is no relationship between the victim and Crowe.

CRIME PREVENTION TIPS:

Always be alert to your surroundings.
Don't take your safety for granted during daylight hours.
If possible, don't walk by yourself. In the evenings on campus, use the UPD-sponsored "Rebel Patrol Escort Service" - call UPD to request an escort.
Walk along major streets with lights and traffic - stay away from secondary streets -- don't take shortcuts through dangerous and remote areas.
Don't get in a car with a stranger.
Immediately report any suspicious persons or vehicles to UPD -- use one of the Code Blue emergency telephones on campus or call UPD at 915-4911 or 915-7234.

The above suggestions are not guaranteed to make your life crime proof, but will substantially reduce the probability of you becoming a crime victim.