WKU News & Events

February 05, 2002

Crime Stoppers Tip Leads To Recovery
Of WKU Equipment

Bowling Green, Ky. - A tip through Crime Stoppers has led to the recovery of nearly $15,000 in equipment stolen from Western Kentucky University and the arrest of a Bowling Green man.

On Monday, WKU Police received the tip that a man was offering overhead projectors for sale from a Bryant Way apartment. Officers determined that the occupant, Ryan Bailey Harrison, 23, was wanted on a warrant for fraudulent use of a credit card. After arresting Harrison on the warrant, officers obtained a search warrant and recovered several projectors, computers, a television and a 12-guage shotgun with the barrel cut off.

Harrison was lodged in the Warren County Regional Jail on four counts of receiving stolen property over $300; three counts of complicity to fraudulent use of a credit card over $100; trafficking marijuana within 1000 yards of a school and possession of drug paraphernalia.

"This case shows the value of the Crime Stoppers network," WKU Police Chief Bob Deane said. "It shows how the public can be a major help in preventing and solving crimes."

Deane added that a call from students last week prevented the theft of more than $4,000 in equipment from the Thompson Complex.

On Jan. 26, three students called WKU Police to report a black male was taking stolen computer equipment from Thompson Complex. Officers found a man matching the description given by the witnesses and located the stolen items in a parking lot.

Rodney Lamar Washington was lodged in the Warren County Regional Jail on a third degree burglary charge.

"In this case, students knew something was not right and called us," Deane said. "The quick call, coupled with the quick response by our officers, led to the arrest of a suspect and recovery of the stolen items."