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Ohio State

Home invasion off-campus neighborhood safety notice

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Ohio State DPS published a public safety notice. Full text recovered from dps.osu.edu.

Alerts
1
Response
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Killed
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Injured
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Institution
The Ohio State University
Public R1 · OH
All Ohio State cases →
~60,000 studentsBuckeye Alert / Public Safety Notice
Official alert policy
Read when and how Ohio State says it will use Buckeye Alert: summarized, quoted, and analyzed.
Documented Timeline

Alert Sequence

1 message in sequence · 1 verified verbatim

Confirmed wording is transcribed character-for-character from a primary source. Use Verify this quote under each message to open that source in a new tab and compare the text yourself.

INITIAL ALERTEmail
Verified verbatim2407 chars
Neighborhood Safety Notice: We are sharing the below information on behalf of the Columbus Division of Police for a crime that occurred in the off-campus area. On 2/2/18 at 6:42 p.m., the Columbus Division of Police was dispatched to a residence on Chittenden Avenue, east of N. High Street, on a report of an armed robbery/home invasion. Reports indicate that three suspects forced their way into the residence at gunpoint and stole property from multiple Ohio State students inside at the time. The three suspects then fled the scene in an unknown direction. No injuries were reported. The suspects are described as: Suspect 1 is a black male in his mid-20’s standing 6-feet tall and weighing 200 pounds. He was last seen wearing a red-hooded sweatshirt, bunched tight around his face. Suspect 2 is described as a black male in his mid-20’s standing 6-feet tall and weighing 200 pounds with a thin build, short hair and a full beard. Reports indicate that he displayed a handgun. Suspect 3 is a black male in his mid-20’s standing 5’10” and weighing approximately 150 pounds. He is described as wearing his hair in dreadlocks down to his ears and was last seen wearing a gray jacket. He implied a weapon during the incident.The Columbus Division of Police is actively investigating and encourages anyone with information related to this crime call CPD at 614-645-4665 or Crime Stoppers at 614-645-8477 (TIPS). ADDITIONAL SAFETY TIPS: The Ohio State University Police Division encourages everyone to lock doors and windows and not let strangers into your home or residence hall. When possible, please walk with friends or coworkers and always be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. As a reminder, the university offers a university Safe Ride program (https://dps.osu.edu/safe-ride), which operates seven days a week from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m., as well as Campus Area Bus Service. Crimes are never the fault of the victim. We remind you to increase your overall safety by being cautious and looking out for one another; being aware of your surroundings and looking assertive; walking with a trusted friend or co-worker, when possible; if a situation makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, choose an alternative. If you see something, say something: report suspicious behavior to University Police (614-292-2121) or off-campus Columbus Police (614-645-4545). Always dial 9-1-1 in emergencies.
Verify this quote
Ohio State DPS official news/public safety noticedps.osu.edufind archived copies
Verbatim from official dps.osu.edu news page.
2026-09-21 second deep audit b45 P3 partial: page-scrape-cut-mid-sentence. Recapture full official body through restored tail. Dual html.parser+regex inner. Cap-exempt R1.
Message elements

How the first alert is built

To check this alert, Claude Opus 5.5 (an AI) read it in full 25 separate times, independently. Each read decided whether the message answers each of the six questions and gave a short reason. A final reviewer then weighed all 25 and wrote the plain-English verdict you see when you open a row. The score (for example 22/25) is how many reads agreed; the 25 individual reads are tucked underneath if you want to check them.

Neighborhood Safety Notice: We are sharing the below information on behalf of the Columbus Division of Police for a crime that occurred in the off-campus area. On 2/2/18 at 6:42 p.m., the Columbus Division of Police was dispatched to a residence on Chittenden Avenue, east of N. High Street, on a report of an armed robbery/home invasion. Reports indicate that three suspects forced their way into the residence at gunpoint and stole property from multiple Ohio State students inside at the time. The three suspects then fled the scene in an unknown direction. No injuries were reported. The suspects are described as: Suspect 1 is a black male in his mid-20’s standing 6-feet tall and weighing 200 pounds. He was last seen wearing a red-hooded sweatshirt, bunched tight around his face. Suspect 2 is described as a black male in his mid-20’s standing 6-feet tall and weighing 200 pounds with a thin build, short hair and a full beard. Reports indicate that he displayed a handgun. Suspect 3 is a black male in his mid-20’s standing 5’10” and weighing approximately 150 pounds. He is described as wearing his hair in dreadlocks down to his ears and was last seen wearing a gray jacket. He implied a weapon during the incident.The Columbus Division of Police is actively investigating and encourages anyone with information related to this crime call CPD at 614-645-4665 or Crime Stoppers at 614-645-8477 (TIPS). ADDITIONAL SAFETY TIPS: The Ohio State University Police Division encourages everyone to lock doors and windows and not let strangers into your home or residence hall. When possible, please walk with friends or coworkers and always be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. As a reminder, the university offers a university Safe Ride program (https://dps.osu.edu/safe-ride), which operates seven days a week from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m., as well as Campus Area Bus Service. Crimes are never the fault of the victim. We remind you to increase your overall safety by being cautious and looking out for one another; being aware of your surroundings and looking assertive; walking with a trusted friend or co-worker, when possible; if a situation makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, choose an alternative. If you see something, say something: report suspicious behavior to University Police (614-292-2121) or off-campus Columbus Police (614-645-4545). Always dial 9-1-1 in emergencies.

  • Sourcepresent25/25

    Final assessment

    Present, unanimously: the notice is shared "on behalf of the Columbus Division of Police" and names The Ohio State University Police Division.

    Who is sending the alert and who is responding. People act faster on a message from a clearly identifiable, credible sender, such as a named department, the police, or a branded alert system, than on an anonymous notice. A branded signature counts.

    See all 25 individual reads
    1. present: It is labeled a "Neighborhood Safety Notice" shared on behalf of the Columbus Division of Police and OSU Police.
    2. present: It shares information 'on behalf of the Columbus Division of Police' and cites the Ohio State University Police Division.
    3. present: It is a "Neighborhood Safety Notice" shared for the Columbus Division of Police and names the Ohio State University Police Division.
    4. present: It is a 'Neighborhood Safety Notice' shared on behalf of 'the Columbus Division of Police' with Ohio State University Police tips.
    5. present: The 'Neighborhood Safety Notice' is shared on behalf of the Columbus Division of Police and cites OSU Police.
    6. present: It is a 'Neighborhood Safety Notice' shared on behalf of the Columbus Division of Police, with Ohio State University Police tips.
    7. present: It is labeled 'Neighborhood Safety Notice' and shares information on behalf of the Columbus Division of Police.
    8. present: Labeled 'Neighborhood Safety Notice', it cites the Columbus Division of Police and the Ohio State University Police Division.
    9. present: It is a 'Neighborhood Safety Notice' shared 'on behalf of the Columbus Division of Police', with advice from the Ohio State University Police Division.
    10. present: It is a 'Neighborhood Safety Notice' shared on behalf of the Columbus Division of Police, with the OSU Police Division named.
    11. present: It is labeled 'Neighborhood Safety Notice' and shared 'on behalf of the Columbus Division of Police', with the OSU Police Division.
    12. present: It is a 'Neighborhood Safety Notice' shared on behalf of the Columbus Division of Police and the OSU Police Division.
    13. present: It is a 'Neighborhood Safety Notice' shared on behalf of the Columbus Division of Police and OSU Police.
    14. present: The 'Neighborhood Safety Notice' is shared on behalf of the Columbus Division of Police and the OSU Police Division.
    15. present: Headed "Neighborhood Safety Notice", it is shared on behalf of the Columbus Division of Police and cites Ohio State Police.
    16. present: Labeled 'Neighborhood Safety Notice', it names the Columbus Division of Police and The Ohio State University Police Division.
    17. present: It shares information 'on behalf of the Columbus Division of Police', with tips from the Ohio State University Police Division.
    18. present: Headed 'Neighborhood Safety Notice' and shared for the Columbus Division of Police and OSU Police, it names its source.
    19. present: The Neighborhood Safety Notice shares information on behalf of the Columbus Division of Police and names the Ohio State University Police Division.
    20. present: The 'Neighborhood Safety Notice' is shared on behalf of the Columbus Division of Police with Ohio State University Police.
    21. present: It shares information 'on behalf of the Columbus Division of Police' and references The Ohio State University Police Division.
    22. present: It is a 'Neighborhood Safety Notice' shared on behalf of the Columbus Division of Police, with Ohio State police tips.
    23. present: It shares information 'on behalf of the Columbus Division of Police' and cites the Ohio State University Police Division.
    24. present: It opens 'Neighborhood Safety Notice' and speaks for the Columbus Division of Police and Ohio State University Police Division.
    25. present: It is labeled 'Neighborhood Safety Notice' and names the Columbus Division of Police and Ohio State University Police Division.
  • Hazardpresent25/25

    Final assessment

    Present, unanimously: it names "an armed robbery/home invasion" with suspects entering "at gunpoint".

    What the threat actually is. A complete warning names the specific danger, such as a shooter, a fire, a tornado, or a gas leak, rather than a vague emergency, because people decide what to do based on what they are facing.

    See all 25 individual reads
    1. present: It reports "an armed robbery/home invasion" where suspects forced entry "at gunpoint".
    2. present: It reports 'an armed robbery/home invasion' where suspects forced entry 'at gunpoint'.
    3. present: It reports "an armed robbery/home invasion" where suspects forced their way in "at gunpoint", a specific threat.
    4. present: It names 'an armed robbery/home invasion' in which suspects forced their way in at gunpoint.
    5. present: It names 'an armed robbery/home invasion' in which three suspects forced their way in at gunpoint.
    6. present: It names 'an armed robbery/home invasion' where suspects forced entry at gunpoint.
    7. present: It reports 'an armed robbery/home invasion' in which suspects forced entry at gunpoint.
    8. present: It names an armed robbery/home invasion in which suspects forced entry at gunpoint.
    9. present: It reports 'an armed robbery/home invasion' in which suspects forced their way in 'at gunpoint'.
    10. present: It names 'an armed robbery/home invasion' in which suspects forced their way in at gunpoint.
    11. present: It names 'an armed robbery/home invasion' in which three suspects forced entry at gunpoint.
    12. present: It names 'an armed robbery/home invasion' in which suspects forced entry 'at gunpoint'.
    13. present: It names 'an armed robbery/home invasion' in which suspects forced their way in at gunpoint.
    14. present: It names 'an armed robbery/home invasion' in which suspects forced entry at gunpoint.
    15. present: It names "an armed robbery/home invasion" in which three suspects forced entry at gunpoint.
    16. present: It reports 'an armed robbery/home invasion' where three suspects forced entry at gunpoint.
    17. present: It reports 'an armed robbery/home invasion' where suspects entered at gunpoint, a specific threat.
    18. present: It describes 'an armed robbery/home invasion' in which three suspects forced their way in at gunpoint.
    19. present: It names an armed robbery and home invasion in which suspects forced their way in at gunpoint.
    20. present: It names 'an armed robbery/home invasion' in which suspects entered at gunpoint.
    21. present: It names 'an armed robbery/home invasion' in which three suspects forced their way in at gunpoint.
    22. present: It names 'an armed robbery/home invasion' in which suspects forced entry 'at gunpoint'.
    23. present: It names 'an armed robbery/home invasion' where suspects forced entry at gunpoint.
    24. present: It describes 'an armed robbery/home invasion' in which suspects forced entry at gunpoint.
    25. present: It reports 'an armed robbery/home invasion' in which suspects forced entry at gunpoint.
  • Locationpresent25/25

    Final assessment

    Present, unanimously: it gives "a residence on Chittenden Avenue, east of N. High Street" in the off-campus area.

    Where the threat is. Saying whether danger is in a specific building, a part of campus, or area-wide lets people judge their own proximity and choose a safe direction. Without a where, a warning is hard to act on precisely.

    See all 25 individual reads
    1. present: It names "a residence on Chittenden Avenue, east of N. High Street".
    2. present: It places the crime at 'a residence on Chittenden Avenue, east of N. High Street'.
    3. present: It locates the crime at "a residence on Chittenden Avenue, east of N. High Street".
    4. present: It locates the crime at 'a residence on Chittenden Avenue, east of N. High Street'.
    5. present: It places the crime at 'a residence on Chittenden Avenue, east of N. High Street'.
    6. present: It locates the residence 'on Chittenden Avenue, east of N. High Street'.
    7. present: It places the crime at 'a residence on Chittenden Avenue, east of N. High Street'.
    8. present: It places the incident at a residence on Chittenden Avenue, east of N. High Street.
    9. present: It places the crime at 'a residence on Chittenden Avenue, east of N. High Street'.
    10. present: It places the crime at 'a residence on Chittenden Avenue, east of N. High Street'.
    11. present: The crime occurred at 'a residence on Chittenden Avenue, east of N. High Street'.
    12. present: It places the crime at 'a residence on Chittenden Avenue, east of N. High Street'.
    13. present: It occurred at 'a residence on Chittenden Avenue, east of N. High Street'.
    14. present: It says the residence was 'on Chittenden Avenue, east of N. High Street'.
    15. present: It gives "a residence on Chittenden Avenue, east of N. High Street" as the crime location.
    16. present: It locates the crime at 'a residence on Chittenden Avenue, east of N. High Street'.
    17. present: It places it at 'a residence on Chittenden Avenue, east of N. High Street'.
    18. present: It places the crime at 'a residence on Chittenden Avenue, east of N. High Street'.
    19. present: It locates the crime at a residence on Chittenden Avenue, east of N. High Street.
    20. present: It places the crime at 'a residence on Chittenden Avenue, east of N. High Street'.
    21. present: It places the crime at 'a residence on Chittenden Avenue, east of N. High Street'.
    22. present: It places the crime at 'a residence on Chittenden Avenue, east of N. High Street'.
    23. present: It gives 'a residence on Chittenden Avenue, east of N. High Street'.
    24. present: It locates the crime at 'a residence on Chittenden Avenue, east of N. High Street'.
    25. present: It locates the residence 'on Chittenden Avenue, east of N. High Street'.
  • Guidancepresent25/25

    Final assessment

    Present, unanimously: it urges readers to lock doors and windows, not let strangers in, walk with friends, and "Always dial 9-1-1 in emergencies".

    The protective action to take. A clear, specific instruction, such as shelter in place, evacuate, avoid the area, or run-hide-fight, drives faster and more correct protective behavior than describing the threat alone.

    See all 25 individual reads
    1. present: It tells readers to "lock doors and windows and not let strangers into your home" and dial 9-1-1 in emergencies.
    2. present: It urges everyone 'to lock doors and windows and not let strangers into your home' and to dial 9-1-1 in emergencies.
    3. present: It asks everyone to "lock doors and windows and not let strangers into your home", a protective action.
    4. present: It urges everyone 'to lock doors and windows and not let strangers into your home' and walk with friends.
    5. present: It urges everyone 'to lock doors and windows and not let strangers into your home'.
    6. present: It urges everyone 'to lock doors and windows and not let strangers into your home' and to dial 9-1-1 in emergencies.
    7. present: It encourages everyone 'to lock doors and windows and not let strangers into your home', a protective instruction.
    8. present: It urges everyone to 'lock doors and windows and not let strangers into your home' and to dial 9-1-1 in emergencies.
    9. present: It encourages everyone 'to lock doors and windows and not let strangers into your home' and to 'dial 9-1-1 in emergencies'.
    10. present: It encourages everyone 'to lock doors and windows and not let strangers into your home', a protective action.
    11. present: It encourages everyone 'to lock doors and windows and not let strangers into your home' and to walk with friends.
    12. present: It urges everyone 'to lock doors and windows and not let strangers into your home', a protective action.
    13. present: It urges readers to 'lock doors and windows and not let strangers into your home' and to walk with friends.
    14. present: It urges people 'to lock doors and windows and not let strangers into your home', a protective action.
    15. present: It encourages readers "to lock doors and windows and not let strangers into your home" and to dial 9-1-1.
    16. present: It urges readers to 'lock doors and windows and not let strangers into your home' and to dial 9-1-1 in emergencies.
    17. present: It urges everyone 'to lock doors and windows and not let strangers into your home', a protective action.
    18. present: It encourages everyone 'to lock doors and windows and not let strangers into your home', a protective action.
    19. present: It encourages everyone to lock doors and windows and not let strangers into their home or residence hall.
    20. present: It encourages everyone 'to lock doors and windows and not let strangers into your home'.
    21. present: It urges everyone 'to lock doors and windows and not let strangers into your home' and to dial 9-1-1 in emergencies.
    22. present: It urges everyone 'to lock doors and windows and not let strangers into your home', a protective instruction.
    23. present: It urges everyone 'to lock doors and windows and not let strangers into your home'.
    24. present: It encourages everyone 'to lock doors and windows and not let strangers into your home', a protective action.
    25. present: It encourages everyone 'to lock doors and windows and not let strangers into your home' and to dial 9-1-1 in emergencies.
  • Timepresent25/25

    Final assessment

    Present, unanimously: it gives "2/2/18 at 6:42 p.m." for the dispatch.

    When the message applies. A timestamp, the word now or immediately, or a phrase like until further notice tells the reader whether the danger is current and how quickly to act.

    See all 25 individual reads
    1. present: It gives "2/2/18 at 6:42 p.m." as the time Columbus police were dispatched to the home invasion.
    2. present: It gives 'On 2/2/18 at 6:42 p.m.' as the dispatch time.
    3. present: It says police were dispatched "On 2/2/18 at 6:42 p.m.", a date and time.
    4. present: It gives 'On 2/2/18 at 6:42 p.m.' as the dispatch time.
    5. present: It gives 'On 2/2/18 at 6:42 p.m.' as the time police were dispatched to the residence.
    6. present: It gives '2/2/18 at 6:42 p.m.' as the time police were dispatched to the robbery.
    7. present: It dates the home invasion 'On 2/2/18 at 6:42 p.m.', giving both a date and a clock time.
    8. present: It gives '2/2/18 at 6:42 p.m.' as the time police were dispatched, which conveys when the robbery happened.
    9. present: It gives 'On 2/2/18 at 6:42 p.m.' as when police were dispatched.
    10. present: It gives 'On 2/2/18 at 6:42 p.m.' as the dispatch time.
    11. present: It says 'On 2/2/18 at 6:42 p.m.' police were dispatched, giving a date and time.
    12. present: It says 'On 2/2/18 at 6:42 p.m.' police were dispatched.
    13. present: It gives '2/2/18 at 6:42 p.m.' as the date and time when Columbus police were dispatched to the residence.
    14. present: It gives 'On 2/2/18 at 6:42 p.m.' as when police were dispatched.
    15. present: It gives "2/2/18 at 6:42 p.m." as the date and time police were dispatched to the residence.
    16. present: It gives 'On 2/2/18 at 6:42 p.m.' as the time police were dispatched to the residence.
    17. present: It states 'On 2/2/18 at 6:42 p.m.' as the dispatch time, giving a date and clock time.
    18. present: It gives 'On 2/2/18 at 6:42 p.m.' as when police were dispatched.
    19. present: It says the Columbus Division of Police was dispatched on 2/2/18 at 6:42 p.m., giving a date and time.
    20. present: It says 'On 2/2/18 at 6:42 p.m.' police were dispatched, giving a precise date and clock time.
    21. present: It gives 'On 2/2/18 at 6:42 p.m.' as the time police were dispatched.
    22. present: It gives 'On 2/2/18 at 6:42 p.m.' as the dispatch date and time.
    23. present: It says 'On 2/2/18 at 6:42 p.m.' police were dispatched, giving both a date and a time.
    24. present: It gives the time of the home invasion as 'On 2/2/18 at 6:42 p.m.', a date and clock time.
    25. present: It gives '2/2/18 at 6:42 p.m.' as the time Columbus police were dispatched to the residence.
  • Impactabsent2/25

    Final assessment

    Absent by a strong majority (23 of 25): "at gunpoint" is part of the hazard and "No injuries were reported"; two dissenters read the armed entry as conveying severe threat.

    What the hazard could do to the people in its path. Beyond naming the threat, a complete warning conveys its potential consequences or severity, such as that a tornado can level buildings or that a leak could be explosive, so recipients grasp how much danger they are in. Research on warning message content finds that a concrete impact statement helps people personalize their risk and act sooner.

    See all 25 individual reads
    1. absent: It states "No injuries were reported" and does not describe further consequence or severity.
    2. absent: It states 'No injuries were reported' and does not describe potential harm.
    3. absent: It says "No injuries were reported" and does not state any potential harm or severity for readers.
    4. present: It says suspects 'forced their way into the residence at gunpoint', conveying a severe threat to the students inside.
    5. absent: It states 'No injuries were reported' and offers no consequence or severity language.
    6. absent: It reports 'No injuries were reported' and gives no other consequence or severity.
    7. absent: It says 'No injuries were reported' and conveys no stated consequence or severity beyond the gunpoint robbery itself.
    8. absent: It states 'No injuries were reported' and gives no explicit consequence or severity.
    9. absent: It notes 'No injuries were reported' and does not state the robbery's potential consequences or severity.
    10. absent: It says 'No injuries were reported' and offers no statement of harm or severity.
    11. present: It says suspects 'forced their way into the residence at gunpoint', conveying an armed threat to the students inside.
    12. absent: It reports 'No injuries were reported' and conveys no stated consequence or severity.
    13. absent: It states 'No injuries were reported', so no harm or severity beyond the robbery is conveyed.
    14. absent: It explicitly notes 'No injuries were reported' and never states a consequence or severity.
    15. absent: It notes "No injuries were reported" and states no further consequence or severity.
    16. absent: It says 'No injuries were reported' and gives no explicit statement of potential harm.
    17. absent: It notes weapons but says 'No injuries were reported' and conveys no stated severity.
    18. absent: The notice says 'No injuries were reported' and conveys no explicit consequence or severity.
    19. absent: It notes no injuries were reported and does not state any consequence or severity.
    20. absent: It states 'No injuries were reported' and conveys no explicit severity or consequence.
    21. absent: It reports 'No injuries were reported' and gives no explicit statement of what the threat could do or how serious it is.
    22. absent: It says 'No injuries were reported' and does not state the potential harm or severity to readers.
    23. absent: It states 'No injuries were reported' and conveys no consequence or severity beyond the crime itself.
    24. absent: It states 'No injuries were reported' and describes no further consequence or severity.
    25. absent: It notes 'No injuries were reported' and does not state potential consequences of the threat.

Coded by Claude Opus 5.5

Systematic AI judgments with visible reasoning, not human-validated codings.

About this analysis
Context

Background

Official Ohio State University Department of Public Safety notice archive.
Analysis

Key Findings

Complete official DPS public safety notice text recovered.
Outcome
See official DPS notice for investigation status and safety guidance.
Provenance

Sources

Every claim on this page is meant to be checkable. Open the links below (and the Verify this quote control under each confirmed alert) to read the original university, news, or archive page yourself. Hostnames are shown so you can see where you are going; archived copies survive when live pages move or disappear. See also our methodology.

  1. Official
    Home invasion off-campus neighborhood safety notice
    dps.osu.edu
    archived copy
Cite this case

Campus Alert Archive. "The Ohio State University: Home invasion off-campus neighborhood safety notice." Incident of February 4, 2018. Added July 2026; last updated September 2026. https://campusalertarchive.com/case/ohio-state-university-neighborhood-safety-notice-february-4-2018-2018-02-04/

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Alert text quoted on this page remains the work of the issuing institution; the archive is a secondary source.

Tags
ohio-state2018robberydpscleryUnder Investigation
Added July 2026Updated September 2026Via ingestion