News and Updates

SAFETY ALERT 25-004

Date/Time of Incident: Saturday, April 19 at 1:11 a.m.

Location of Incident: 3600 Block of Fifth Avenue

Type of Incident: Assault

Description of Incident: At just after 1 a.m., three CMU students were walking in the 3600 block of Fifth Avenue approximately one mile from central campus when someone in a white Toyota Tacoma fired a BB pellet gun at them, striking two of the students in the arm and the third in the back, none of whom reported injuries. They did not see who was inside the vehicle and were unable to see the vehicle’s license plate.

If you have any information to share regarding this incident, please contact the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police by calling 9-1-1 or the CMU Police Department at 412-268-2323.

General Prevention and Safety Tips:

• Stay alert to your surroundings at all times.
• Avoid walking alone, especially after dark.
• Do not fight with an assailant who attempts to steal your belongings.
• Report any suspicious incidents, persons or vehicles immediately to CMU Police at 412-268-2323, or when off campus to the Pittsburgh Police at 9-1-1.

Sincerely,

Aaron V. Lauth
Chief of Police
Carnegie Mellon University Police Department

SAFETY ALERT 25-003

Date/Time of Incident: April 16 at 8:21 p.m.

Location of Incident: Schenley Bridge / Schenley Drive behind Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh

Type of Incident: Assault

Description of Incident: On April 16, 2025, at 8:21 p.m., a CMU student reported being struck in the back of the head by small objects as the student walked past a parked blue four door sedan on the Schenley Park Bridge near the Carnegie Library on Schenley Drive. Two females unknown to the victim were inside the parked vehicle. The student saw some type of device or weapon used, which may have been an airsoft or BB pellet gun. The student left the scene and reported no injuries.

An investigation is being conducted by Carnegie Mellon University Police. If you have any information to share regarding this incident, please contact Carnegie Mellon University Police by calling 412-268-2323.

General Prevention and Safety Tips:

• Stay alert to your surroundings at all times.
• Do not approach suspicious persons or vehicles.
• Do not fight with an assailant who attempts to steal your belongings.
• Avoid walking alone, especially after dark.
• Report any suspicious incidents, persons or vehicles immediately to CMU Police at 412-268-2323, or when off campus to the Pittsburgh Police at 9-1-1.

Sincerely,

Aaron V. Lauth
Chief of Police
Carnegie Mellon University Police Department

SAFETY ALERT 25-002

Date/Time of Incident: April 15, 2025, at 11:54 p.m.

Location of Incident: 4500 Block of Centre Avenue (at Dollar Street)

Type of Incident: Attempted Robbery

Description of Incident: On April 15, 2025, at 11:54 p.m., the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police responded to an attempted robbery that occurred in the 4500 block of Centre Avenue, which is three blocks north of the CMU campus. The victim is not affiliated with CMU. An unknown suspect threatened to shoot the victim if they did not give the suspect money. The suspect reached towards their pants indicating they had a weapon, but none was seen. The suspect fled up North Dithridge Street without any of the victim’s money. No injuries were reported.

Although this incident occurred approximately one mile from central campus, we are sharing this information with our community given the large number of students, faculty and staff who live nearby.

We are also aware of an attempted robbery of a non-CMU community member that occurred last night in the 100 block of Robinson Street. While that location is much less proximate to our campus and community members, it is an additional reminder to exercise general precaution and safety using the tips below.

Since the incidents occurred off campus, the investigations are being handled by the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Department / Zone 4. If you have any information to share regarding either incident, please contact the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police by calling 412-422-6520.

General Prevention and Safety Tips: 

• Stay alert to your surroundings at all times.
• Do not approach suspicious persons or vehicles.
• Do not fight with an assailant who attempts to steal your belongings.
• Avoid walking alone, especially after dark.
• Report any suspicious incidents, persons or vehicles immediately to CMU Police at 412-268-2323, or when off campus to the Pittsburgh Police at 9-1-1.
  
  

Sincerely,

Aaron V. Lauth
Chief of Police
Carnegie Mellon University Police Department

SAFETY ALERT 24-009

• Keep all residential doors and windows locked at all times.
• Keep your important belongings, currency, jewelry and electronics in a secure area, such as a safe or lockbox.
• Report any suspicious incidents, persons or vehicles immediately to CMU Police at 412-268-2323, or when off campus to the Pittsburgh Police at 9-1-1.

SAFETY ALERT 24-005

Date/Time of Incident: Tuesday, August 20, at 10:13 p.m.

Location of Incident: 5400 Block of Fifth Avenue

Type of Incident: Burglary / Attempted Sexual Assault

Description of Incident: On Tuesday, August 20, at 10:13 p.m., a CMU student contacted police to report a burglary and attempted sexual assault that occurred at their off-campus residence, located in the 5400 block of Fifth Avenue. The student was lying in their bed when they observed an unknown naked person standing in their room. While displaying a pocket knife, the assailant attempted to sexually assault the student. The student was able to fight off the assailant and flee to the bathroom, where they locked the door and contacted police. The assailant then fled from the area. The student did not sustain any physical injuries from the attempted assault.

Since this incident occurred off campus, the investigation is being handled by the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police. If you have any information to share regarding this incident, please contact the Pittsburgh Police by calling 9-1-1 or 412-422-6520.

 General Prevention and Safety Tips:

• Keep all residential doors and windows locked at all
• Always be aware of your
• Report any suspicious incidents, persons or vehicles immediately to CMU Police at 412-268-2323, or when off campus to the Pittsburgh Police at 9-1-1.

Sincerely,

Aaron V. Lauth Chief of Police

Carnegie Mellon University Police Department

 The purpose of CMU Crime and Safety Alerts is to increase community awareness by notifying community members of the date, time, location and description of incidents that occur on (Crime Alerts) or near (Safety Alerts) campus. This awareness aids in the prevention of future crimes and provides our campus community the information they need to make informed decisions about their own safety. Crime and Safety Alerts will not include the names of victims or identifying information of suspects, unless approved by the Chief of Police in consultation with the Vice President for Operations. For more information, visit cmu.edu/po/ice.

You are receiving this email because of your status as a student, faculty and/or staff member of the university.

Carnegie Mellon University 5000 Forbes Ave

Pittsburgh, PA 15213

SAFETY ALERT 24-002

Date/Time of Incident: March 3 at 2:15 a.m.

Location of Incident: 200 Block of Melwood Avenue

Type of Incident: Sexual Assault / Robbery

Description of Incident: On March 3, 2024, at approximately 2:15 a.m., the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police responded to a report of a robbery and sexual assault that occurred off campus in the 200 block of Melwood Avenue. The victim (who is not affiliated with CMU) stated that she was sexually assaulted by an unknown suspect who displayed a knife and threatened her with it, eventually taking her cell phone after a brief struggle. After the assault, the suspect fled and the victim returned to her apartment and contacted police. The victim was transported to the hospital for moderate but non-life-threatening injuries. The assault took place in an alleyway in the 200 block of Melwood Avenue.

Since this incident occurred off campus, the investigation is being handled by the City of Pittsburgh Police Department. If you have any information to share regarding this incident, please contact the City of Pittsburgh Police by calling 9-1-1 or 412-422-6520 (Reference CCR #240044729).

General Prevention and Safety Tips:

• Stay alert to your surroundings at all times.
• Avoid walking alone, especially after dark.
• Do not fight with an assailant who attempts to steal your belongings.
• Report any suspicious incidents, persons or vehicles immediately to CMU Police at 412-268-2323, or when off campus to the Pittsburgh Police at 9-1-1.

Sincerely,
Chief of Aaron V. Lauth
Chief of Police
Carnegie Mellon University Police Department

The purpose of CMU Crime and Safety Alerts is to increase community awareness by notifying community members of the date, time, location and description of incidents that occur on (Crime Alerts) or near (Safety Alerts) campus. This awareness aids in the prevention of future crimes and provides our campus community the information they need to make informed decisions about their own safety. Crime and Safety Alerts will not include the names of victims or identifying information of suspects, unless approved by the Chief of Police in consultation with the Vice President for Operations. For more information, visit cmu.edu/police.Police

• Keep all residential doors and windows locked at all times.
• Keep your important belongings, currency, jewelry and electronics in a secure area, such as a safe or lockbox.
• Report any suspicious incidents, persons or vehicles immediately to CMU Police at 412-268-2323, or when off campus to the Pittsburgh Police at 9-1-1.

CRIME ALERT 23-002

Date/Time of Incident: November 17th @ 12:49 a.m.

Location of Incident: 5000 Block of Forbes Avenue

Type of Incident: Aggravated Assault

Description of Incident: On November 17th at 12:49 am, CMU Police assisted the City of Pittsburgh Police and University of Pittsburgh Police with the investigation of multiple reports of aggravated assault with an airsoft/pellet gun in the Oakland area.

At 12:57 am, while officers were searching the area for the suspects, a CMU Security Officer reported that he was struck on the arm by a pellet while walking along the sidewalk in the 5000 block of Forbes Avenue. It appeared that the pellet was fired by someone in a passing vehicle. The Security Officer was not injured as a result of being struck by the projectile.

Through the investigation, a suspect vehicle was identified as possibly being involved in the incident on Forbes Avenue as well as similar incidents in other locations in the Oakland area.

Investigators continue to attempt to track down the occupants of the vehicle and the identity of person who discharged the airsoft/pellet gun.

If you have any information to share regarding these incidents, please contact the CMU Police by calling (412) 268-2323.

General Prevention and Safety Tips:

• Stay alert to your surroundings at all times.
• Do not approach suspicious persons or vehicles.
• Avoid walking alone, especially after dark.
• Report any suspicious incidents, persons or vehicles immediately to CMU Police at 412-268-2323, or when off campus to the Pittsburgh Police at 9-1-1.

Sincerely,

Aaron V. Lauth
Chief of Police
Carnegie Mellon University Police Department

The purpose of CMU Crime and Safety Alerts is to increase community awareness by notifying community members of the date, time, location and description of incidents that occur on (Crime Alerts) or near (Safety Alerts) campus. This awareness aids in the prevention of future crimes and provides our campus community the information they need to make informed decisions about their own safety. Crime and Safety Alerts will not include the names of victims or identifying information of suspects, unless approved by the Chief of Police in consultation with the Vice President for Operations. For more information, visit cmu.edu/police.

• Stay alert to your surroundings at all times.
• Do not approach suspicious persons or vehicles.
• Avoid walking alone, especially after dark.
• Report any suspicious incidents, persons or vehicles immediately to CMU Police at 412-268-2323, or when off campus to the Pittsburgh Police at 9-1-1.

• Stay alert to your surroundings at all times.
• Do not approach suspicious persons or vehicles.
• Avoid walking alone, especially after dark.
• Report any suspicious incidents, persons or vehicles immediately to CMU Police at 412-268-2323, or when off campus to the Pittsburgh Police at 9-1-1.

• Stay alert to your surroundings at all times.
• Do not fight with an assailant who attempts to steal your belongings.
• Do not approach suspicious persons or vehicles.
• Avoid walking alone, especially after dark.
• Report any suspicious incidents, persons or vehicles immediately to CMU Police at 412-268-2323, or when off campus to the Pittsburgh Police at 9-1-1.