This is a Timely Warning regarding a crime that was reported to have occurred on University-owned, controlled, or adjacent property.
On Friday, February 28, 2025, at approximately 3:30 PM, the UTC Police Department received a delayed report of a Simple Assault and Aggravated Burglary. The victim, a UTC student, reported that on February 28, 2025, at approximately 2:00 AM, she was in her apartment at West Campus Housing when an unknown suspect entered the open apartment door. The victim stated that the suspect, described as a white male wearing a camouflage hat, then sprayed her with Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) Spray (commonly known as “Pepper Spray” ) and quickly left the apartment.
This crime is actively under investigation by the UTC Police Department, who have identified potential suspects. If you have any information about this incident, please call the UTC Police Department at (423) 425-HELP/4357.
About UTC-ALERT: Timely Warnings
Timely Warnings are issued by the UTC Department of Public Safety in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (20 U.S. Code § 1092; 34 CFR 668.46e). The University takes its duty to protect the community seriously. Informing the UTC community regarding reported crimes allows community members to be situationally aware, make educated decisions about their personal safety, and be reminded of how to access University and community resources.
Safety Tips:
- Burglary
- Ensure that all residential doors and windows are closed and locked.
- Do not prop open doors.
- When entering or exiting a residence hall or other locked building, make sure the door closes behind you.
- Do not allow unauthorized persons into locked buildings.
- Report inoperable locks to Facilities, Planning, and Management (FPM) or the Department of Housing & Residence Life, Housing Facilities.
- General
- Be alert and aware of your surroundings.
- Follow your instincts. Safety is the priority.
- If you feel you are in danger, take action. Move away from the threat, cross the street, increase your pace, or run to safety.
- Report all suspicious activity (persons, vehicles, and activities), even if you are not directly threatened, to the UTC Police Department at (423) 425-HELP/4357.
- If you or someone you know is a victim of a crime, we encourage you to report the incident as soon as possible. This allows for appropriate measures to be taken for your safety and the safety of others.
Reporting & Resources:
- Report a crime on-campus
- From any cellular or off-campus telephone, call (423) 425-HELP/4357.
- From any on-campus telephone, dial 911.
- Press the “HELP” button at any Blue Light Call Box or Emergency Call Box.
- Report a crime off-campus
- From any telephone, dial 911.
- UTC Resources
- UTCares: (423) 425-CARE/2273.
- Counseling Center: (423) 425-4438.
- Office of the Dean of Students: (423) 425-4761
- Office of Student Outreach & Support: (423) 425-2299.
- Survivor Advocacy Services: (423) 425-5648.
- Office of Title IX Compliance / Title IX Coordinator: (423) 425-4255.
- Chattanooga / Hamilton County Resources
- Chattanooga Police Department – Victim Services: (423) 643-5351.
- District Attorney’s Office for the 11th Judicial District – Victim/Witness Coordinator: (423) 209-7400.
- Partnership for Families, Children, and Adults – Rape Crisis Center: (423) 755-2700.
Message issued on 3/3/2025 at 10:00 AM
