Campus Safety

There has been a rising trend in bicycle and scooter thefts on campus. Since this is an unusual occurrence, this crime alert is intended to inform the campus community and help prevent further thefts. The stolen bicycles and scooters shared a common factor: they were all secured with minimal protection, either a cable lock or a chain. These locks could be easily cut with wire cutters or similar tools.

If you ride a bicycle or scooter to campus, we strongly recommend that you avoid using a cable lock. Instead, opt for a more secure locking mechanism to fasten your bicycle to a bike rack. According to Project 529 (formely known as National Bike Registry), a strong and reliable U-lock is the best choice for ensuring your bike's safety.

Additional Suggestions

• Register your bicycle with your local police department or online at https://project529.com
• Keep a copy of the bicycle/scooter serial number and receipt of purchase.
• Note the bicycle's/scooter's color, make and model.
• Use one or more U-Locks to secure your bicycle/scooter to a bicycle rack at all times.
• Periodically check on your bicycle/scooter between classes.
• Do not leave your bicycle/scooter on campus overnight.
• Do not use cable locks or chains as they can easily be cut; use a U-Lock instead.
• Do not leave your bicycle/scooter unsecured and unattended, even for a short moment.

We strongly encourage all members of the Citrus College community to contact the department of campus safety immediately if they observe any unusual or suspicious activity on campus, particularly near the bicycle racks. You can report such incidents by calling campus safety at (626) 914-8611, or by using the text-a-tip feature in the Citrus Guardian mobile app. Additionally, you can send pictures to campus safety through the app.

While campus safety and the Glendora Police Department work together to apprehend the individuals responsible for the thefts, we appreciate your vigilance and support in this collective effort to make our campus community safer for everyone!

On Friday, September 6, 2024, at approximately 6 p.m., the Azusa Police Department (AzPD) responded to a call regarding a female who was assaulted in her vehicle. AzPD officers learned the crime started at Citrus College when the suspect entered the female victim's vehicle without permission and forced her to drive him to APU's parking lot off Alosta Avenue. Out of fear, the victim complied and drove him to APU. Upon arrival, she asked him to get out of the vehicle, and the suspect physically assaulted her. The victim was able to escape, and law enforcement was contacted. The suspect fled the area on foot but was apprehended by AzPD officers after attempting to hide under a vehicle. Prior to his arrest, he also attempted to assault the responding officers.

While there is no ongoing active threat to the campus community, the case remains open and is under investigation. Anyone who may have witnessed the above-described incident is urged to call the Azusa Police Department Detective Bureau at (626) 812-3200 or Citrus College Campus Safety at (626) 914-8611.

ARREST INFORMATION
Suspect: Chima Njoku (a.k.a. Jake Crawford); he is not affiliated with Citrus College
Charges: PC 207(a) - Kidnapping, PC 236 - False Imprisonment, PC 664/261(a)(2) - Attempted Rape by Means of Force or Violence, and PC 696 - Resisting an Officer by Use of Force or Violence

We strongly urge all members of the Citrus College community to contact any of the following agencies immediately upon witnessing any unusual or suspicious activity: Citrus College Campus Safety (626) 914-8611, Glendora Police Department (626) 914-8250, Azusa Police Department (626) 812-3200 or APU Campus Safety (626) 815-3898 or 911. We appreciate your assistance, support and cooperation in this collective effort to make our campus and community safer for everyone.