Message Emailed to Parents and Families from Penny Rue, Vice President for Campus Life

by Betsy Chapman, Ph.D. ('92, MA '94)

The following message was emailed to parents and families this afternoon.

Dear Parents and Families,

I am writing to inform you of a crime alert your student(s) received today:

At 10:17 a.m. this morning, September 9, 2016, two black males wearing all black clothing with bandanas covering their faces forced their way into a house on Long Drive occupied by four male Wake Forest students. The suspects pointed handguns at the students and one shot was fired inside the house. No one was injured in the shooting.

The suspects demanded cash and valuables.

The house is across University Parkway from campus. Winston-Salem Police are investigating with the assistance of University Police. Anyone with information that may assist in the investigation is asked to call the Winston-Salem Police Department at 336.773.7700, or Crimestoppers at 336.727.2800.

There is no greater priority than the safety of our campus community and this incident is troubling and unsettling for all of us. Campus Life professionals have offered support for the students who live in the affected house since the incident occurred.

Unfortunately, no amount of preparation can make our campus and the surrounding area immune to violence. However, we are taking measures, along with law enforcement, to prevent similar incidents. As part of our commitment to student safety, Wake Forest University Police Chief Regina Lawson and Winston-Salem Police Department Captain Natoshia Miles met with all students living off campus last week to provide specific information about safety precautions for their residential communities.

Regarding this incident, WSPD is taking the lead on the investigation, with support from WFUPD. Police are increasing security and patrols on campus and in the surrounding area.

We do not routinely send all crime alerts to parents, but the serious and seemingly random nature of this event affects us all. This incident may present a good time to talk openly and frankly with your students about ways they can increase their own awareness regarding their safety and the safety of others, such as:

  • Our Wake Ready website offers information that promotes safety and aids in the prevention of crime.
  • We strongly encourage students to download the LiveSafe app so they can take advantage of its features from their smartphone.
  • I invite any student who feels unsafe to meet with Campus Life professionals to develop a personal safety plan.

If you feel it would be helpful, you may also encourage your students to seek support and counseling services from the University Counseling Center (336.758.5273) or the Chaplain’s Office (336.758.5210).

Sincerely,

Penny Rue, Vice President for Campus Life

Contact

To contact the Office of Family Engagement or Family Communications, please visit our contact page.

 

For mental health assistance: 336-758-CARE (2273) is a service that ensures someone will always be available (i.e., 24/7 M-F, weekends and university holidays) to provide caring and thoughtful consultation services for Wake Forest students in need of mental health assistance or support.