Dear Ohio State Community Member:
You are receiving this notice because a crime has occurred that is considered to be of a concern and/or a continuing threat to the campus community.
The purpose of this message is to heighten your safety awareness by providing community members with information necessary to take appropriate precautions, enable you to take actions to help increase your safety, and to aid in the prevention of similar crimes.
On 1/21/2026, at approximately 5:40 p.m., an unknown male attempted to steal a student’s laptop in the Ohio Union. In the attempted robbery, the student tried to keep hold of the laptop, but the suspect pulled it from her hands causing her to fall. No injuries were reported, and the suspect set the laptop down before fleeing the Union, east toward High Street.
Police were notified several hours later. Photos of the suspect are below. The Ohio State University Police Division (OSUPD) continues to investigate and anyone with information related to this crime is encouraged to call University Police at 614-292-2121.
Crimes are never the fault of the victim. Do not leave valuables unattended and remember to lock your residence hall doors. For those living off-campus, always remember to lock your doors and windows. Do not let unknown persons into residence halls and report suspicious behavior or missing property to police. When possible, please walk with friends or coworkers and always be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. If you see something, say something: report suspicious behavior by calling police. Additional safety resources are available at: dps.osu.edu/resources
OSUPD carefully considers information contained in safety notices. All decisions are handled on a case-by-case basis with the safety of our campus community in mind. Law enforcement officers and dispatchers are trained to interview witnesses in an effort to obtain as much information as possible, such as build, hair style, hair color, facial hair, skin tone, eye color, tattoos or identifying marks, teeth, clothing, shoes, etc. OSUPD may limit the use of race, or other descriptors, unless accompanied by a detailed description of the suspect. In an effort to share information in a timely manner, details may be limited and are based on information known or reported at the time of issuance.