4/9/2026

Greetings Loggers,

The University of Puget Sound Security Services is issuing a campus-wide safety alert regarding harassment of students along Union Avenue.

On Tuesday, April 7, 2026, in the evening hours, a group of teenagers drove around campus verbally harassing students residing in the area of North 14th Street and North Union Avenue.

Between 2:45 p.m. and 4 p.m. on the afternoon of Thursday, April 9, 2026 two additional, unrelated, incidents occurred.

  • An unknown male who appeared to be in his 40s, carrying a stuffed dinosaur, approached two students sunbathing on campus near North 14th Street and North Union Avenue. The individual sat down on the students’ blanket and touched one of the student's legs. The students quickly moved away and left the area. Security later approached the individual off-campus and issued a trespass notice.
  • Security received a report of a different unknown male with a beard and dark hair knocking on several Greek houses while claiming to be selling vending machines. When Security arrived, they witnessed the suspected individual leaving in a grey Nissan SUV.

The Tacoma Police Department has been alerted about each of these incidents. Campus Safety Officers have increased both vehicle and foot patrols of the area.

If you have, or you know of others, who have experienced similar incidents, please contact Security Services at 253.879.3311 so we can continue to gather information and connect those affected with support services.

As a reminder, Security Services operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. If you are uncomfortable walking around campus alone, please request a Safe Walk through Security Services. Safe Walk is a Security Services Crime Prevention Program designed to assist the Puget Sound community by providing walking escort services from one campus location to another. Campus Safety Officers and Campus Safety Assistants provide the escort as needed to any member of the Puget Sound Community who desires this added level of security and safety.

Immediate Actions & Safety Measures: If you encounter a suspicious person or activity on campus, trust your instincts, maintain your distance, and report it immediately to Security Services.

Avoid confrontation and move to a well-populated or secure area. When reporting, provide identifying details, such as location, clothing, and specific behaviors.

Stay Alert: Be aware of your surroundings and avoid distractions, such as looking at your phone or wearing headphones while walking.

If Followed or Approached:

  • Change Direction: Cross the street or alter your route.
  • Go to a Safe Spot: Move to a public place on campus, such as an academic building, and call for help.

Sincerely,
David Ferber, Ph.D. | Director of Security Services