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Police Beat • 11/04/2023 to 11/06/2023

Traffic Stop
An officer observed an individual driving a scooter run a red light while turning southbound on 900 East from Birch Lane. The officer turned around to follow the scooter and observed it turn west on 1100 N onto BYU campus. The scooter then turned into Lot 27 west of the Music Building (MB). The officer lost sight of the scooter as it appeared to cut across the sidewalk to the parking lot on the north side of the building. The officer drove around to the other side of the MB and found the scooter parked on the grass on the west side of the building. A witness said the driver of the scooter ran west towards the Wilkinson Center. Another BYU officer attempted to locate the driver but was unable to do so. The scooter was State Tax Impounded for not being registered and for no insurance.

Traffic Stop
An officer observed a vehicle leave the Y-Trailhead with no visible license plate. The officer initiated a traffic stop and spoke with the driver of the vehicle. The driver confirmed that they had owned the car for over two months and had not been able to transfer the title into their name. The driver also confirmed that there was no current insurance on the vehicle. The officer impounded the vehicle for improper registration and no insurance. The tow company took possession of the vehicle without incident. The driver was cited for improper registration and was warned for driving without insurance. The driver stated they understood the citation and the impound form.

Suspicious
Officers were dispatched to the Y-Trailhead for a group of individuals swinging a sword and bat around in the parking lot. Officers arrived and found that the individuals were playing "Fruit Ninja" in real life. Officers advised the group to not swing dangerous objects around in the parking lot and told them that swords were not permitted on BYU property. The individuals immediately put the sword and bat away.

Theft, Bike
An officer took a delayed report of a bike theft. The bike was locked in the bike rack west of Wymount Terrace Building. The reporting party found their bike missing and the lock had been cut. The officer took identification information on the bike and listed it NCIC. The officer checked surveillance cameras. This case will be referred to the Investigations Division.

Reckless driving
An officer made contact with a complainant who stated they wanted another vehicle stopped for reckless driving on University Parkway. The reporting party pulled up a picture that they took of the other vehicle and there was a 15-minute time delay. The license plate was not identifiable from the picture the reporting party had taken. The officer advised the reporting party that officers would look for the vehicle around campus. The vehicle was not located.

Criminal mischief
Officers were dispatched to Merrill Hall for a report of a water flow alarm. Officers arrived and found an active sprinkler spraying water on the third floor of the south wing of the building. Provo Fire arrived and observed that the sprinkler had been broken and had not been activated due to any smoke or heat. Provo Fire was able to shut off the water flow. BYU Electricians, Sprinkler Techs, Risk Management, Housing, and Physical Facilities were all notified and responded to the incident. Clean-up for the building will be undertaken for the next couple of days. The sprinkler tech and electrician were able to replace the sprinkler head and recharge the fire suppression system. BYU Housing was also tasked with finding beds for those students who were displaced. This report will stay active pending further information.

Suspicious
An officer was dispatched to the Y-Trailhead when the Dispatch Center reported a group of teenagers hitting golf balls in the Trailhead parking lot. When the officer arrived, there were six teenagers getting into a Honda CRV (license plate provided). As the officer approached, one of the teenagers was closing the hatchback door at the rear of the vehicle. The officer observed what appeared to be a golf bag with golf clubs sticking out of it in the back of the vehicle. The officer asked the individuals if they could be sure not to cause damage with the golf balls. Several individuals said "yes" and apologized. The officer explained they were only concerned about others' property being damaged. The individuals said they understood. The group stated they had stopped hitting golf balls and would not do so again. The Dispatch Center checked the state database and learned there were no holds or wants on the vehicle and that it had insurance coverage and was properly registered.

Alcohol Offense
An officer observed two individuals drinking alcohol in a vehicle at the Y-Trailhead through video surveillance. The officer approached and investigated the situation. Both parties admitted to drinking alcohol within the vehicle. An officer conducted field sobriety tests, which indicated that one of them was not impaired. The officer issued a citation to both parties for drinking alcohol in a vehicle. The officer also issued the driver a warning for never obtaining a license and for driving with no insurance. The officer impounded the vehicle for no insurance. This case will be referred to the Provo City Attorney's Office for review of charges.

Animal Problem
Officers were dispatched to the Former President's Home for a report of a deer stuck in the fence. Offices arrived and were able to lift the deer up to get the deer's leg free from the fence. The deer was bleeding but did not seem to be seriously injured. As soon as the deer was free, it ran away.

Theft
An officer was dispatched to contact a complainant concerning a delayed theft of a skateboard. The skateboard was left in the bushes near the front of the Benson Building by the owner during class. When the owner returned after class, the skateboard was gone. There are no indications the skateboard was impounded or ended up at the lost and found. Camera footage was searched but nothing suspicious was discovered.

Property Damage
An officer responded to Lot 23 in front of the Culinary Support Center (CSC) to a property damage report. The officer met with the reporting party who is an employee with the BYU Carpentry Shop. They stated that they were cleaning up after working inside the CSC and filled a small cart with debris. The reporting party stated they turned around and the cart rolled away, striking the car of an employee who works at the CSC. The officer noted some existing damage on the car and contacted the owner. The owner responded and said they were not sure if there was any new damage to the vehicle and that they did not need a police report because they were not going to fix their car. The officer advised the owner that they would document this incident in an information report.

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