Two crimes occurred on campus recently, very rare and surprising. On Monday, Sept. 4, a student riding a bike near the corner of Laclede Street and Grand Boulevard was shot with a BB pistol from a passing car. One week earlier, a dorm room was broken into in broad daylight.

After being shot, the bicyclist drove to the Saint Louis University tennis courts where he called the Department of Public Safety.

According to Director of Public Safety Jack Titone, the student was either shot with a pellet gun or a paintball gun.

The St. Louis Police Department indicated that a new craze is to freeze paintballs and shoot them at people. The STLPD said similar events have occurred in the area.

DPS is not investigating this incident as it occurred on public property. The STLPD is conducting Continued an investigation. Investigators are searching for the car from which the shots were fired-a gold Saturn, possibly four doors, with a Missouri licence plate with the first three numbers 718.

The student shot was not injured seriously. The projectile did not break his clothing but did create a welt and some bleeding. After originally refusing treatment, the student eventually was treated and released from SLU Hospital.

“I don’t know how you could avoid something like this,” Titone said.

However, a safety alert has been posted throughout the campus recommending some safety tips:

Be aware of your surroundings and pay attention to suspicous looking persons or activities near you by constantly scanning walkways and streets.

Observe the physical characteristics of suspicous persons.

If more than one suspicious person is involved, concentrate on the one closest to you.

Immediately report any crime or serious injuries to DPS by dialing 977-3000.

Park your vehicle on SLU parking lots and in University garages, so you can reach DPS immediately for assistance by using emergency telephones.

At night, use the DPS free escort service.

In another incident, on Monday, Aug. 28 between 6 p.m. and 6:45 p.m., someone entered a lower level Fusz room by prying off the iron bars on the window and breaking the glass.

A CD player, camera, headset, knife and 90 empty CD jewel-cases were stolen from the room.

Titone believes the suspect had knowledge of the occupant’s schedule as they had just left for supper.

A neighbor in the next room heard glass break but did not feel it serious enough to call DPS.

“It’s very unusual to be able to break into a room in broad daylight,” Titone said.

The STPD obtained prints and will be running them through their identification system.