By Alena Bitonti
Arts & Entertainment Editor
The Signal and Campus Police work together on a weekly basis to inform the campus community about crime on and around campus. All records given to The Signal are public records and do not contain personal information. Some information provided may be triggering for some students.
Feb. 5: Medical emergency in Rec Center
At approximately 9:20 p.m., a non-resident of the College reported that a non-resident student had a seizure in the Rec Center. Upon arrival, Campus Police found the student lying on the floor of Court 4. Lions EMS arrived on the scene, and it was determined that the student had tripped over a bag and scraped his face along the court. The fall resulted in rash burns and dried blood on the right side of the student’s face.
The student reported that his seizure lasted approximately one minute and that his right leg was sore from the fall. The student refused medical attention and was escorted home at 10:15 p.m.
Feb 6: Burnt popcorn
Campus Police were dispatched to Ely Hall in report of a fire alarm at 9:28 p.m. Upon arrival, there was no audible alarm or flashing strobes. The alarm panel read a specific room, and after investigating, there was an odor of burnt popcorn. A student informed Campus Police he burnt popcorn in the microwave.
There were no signs of smoke or fire. Ewing Township Fire Department and Prospect Heights Fire Department arrived on the scene. The room was cleared and the alarm was reset without incident.
Feb 6: Don’t forget to hydrate
On a report of a student that fell and hit his head, Campus Police were dispatched to Decker Hall at approximately 10:40 p.m. Upon arrival, Lions EMS was already on scene.
The student informed Lions EMS he had not been drinking water and barely ate. He also disclosed consuming approximately three shots of vodka at around 6 p.m. The student refused medical care and was released. No charges were filed under New Jersey’s Lifeline Amnesty Law.
Feb. 7: Text and tumble
Responding to a medical report at Townhouse South, Campus Police arrived at approximately 10:59 p.m. to find a student standing in the first floor common area. The student was alert and conscious, and stated he believed he fractured his left foot. He reported that he had slipped while walking down the stairs while on his phone, landing on his left foot and experiencing sharp pain.
Campus Police provided an ice pack, and at 11:14 p.m., Lions EMS assumed patient care. At 11:19 p.m., Capital Health EMS arrived on scene. The student refused further medical assistance.
Feb. 10: Medical emergency in Education Building
During a class in the Education Building, a student experienced a seizure, prompting a call for emergency assistance. By the time Campus Police arrived at approximately 10:20 a.m., the student had recovered and was alert. The Ewing Fire Department responded and an ambulance was dispatched. The student was treated and refused further medical assistance
Feb. 10: Shoulder injury at Fitness Center
Campus Police were dispatched to the Fitness Center at approximately 6:40 p.m. on a report of a female that dislocated her shoulder. Campus Police spoke with the patient, later identified as a non-resident student. She had already popped her shoulder back into place. Ewing EMS responded, met with the patient and advised her that she did not require any further assistance.
Feb. 12: Booted
While conducting parking enforcement in Lot 13, a 2022 black Hyundai Kona with New Jersey registration was found to have three unpaid citations totaling $150, making it bootable. An additional citation was issued for no decal or permit, amounting to $50.
A yellow boot was attached to the driver-side tire and immobilization paperwork was placed on the driver-side window. A new citation was also issued for boot removal. In total, the vehicle now had five unpaid citations, amounting to $250.
Feb. 13: Booted again
In the Trenton Hall visitor lot, a white Toyota Corolla with a New Jersey registration was found to have three unpaid citations totalling $150, making it bootable. The three unpaid tickets were verified.
An orange immobilization tag was placed on the driver-side window, along with a yellow boot on the driver’s side wheel. Two additional tickets were placed under the vehicle’s wiper — one for parking in the wrong area and one for the boot being placed — bringing the total to $250 in unpaid citations
Feb. 13: Construction accident
At approximately 12 p.m., Campus Police were dispatched to Forcina garage on a report of an activated fire alarm. Upon arrival, audible alarms were sounding, and occupants were evacuating. The fire alarm panel indicated an alarm on the third floor, but it did not display a specific location.
An Imperial Construction employee informed Campus Police that a wire had been struck while drilling, which activated the fire alarm. At 12:10 p.m., the Ewing Fire Department arrived and proceeded to the fourth floor where the drilling was being done. Upon checking the hole that was drilled, they observed a slightly cut wire. The Ewing Fire Department confirmed there was no threat to life or property and authorized the alarm reset.
Feb. 13: Careless cooking
After receiving a report of an activated fire alarm at Townhouses East, Campus Police responded at approximately 8:53 p.m. to find strobes and audible alarms activated. While inspecting the buildings, one unit was found to have a light smoke condition and a burnt odor.
The Ewing Fire Department arrived on scene at approximately 9:04 p.m. but could not locate the source of the smoke. By 9:27 p.m., it was determined that the cause of the alarm was careless cooking. TCNJ Prostaff was contacted and informed that the students would need temporary relocation.
Feb. 13: Bad hair day
Responding to a report of an activated fire alarm in Allen, Brewster and Ely Hall, Campus Police arrived at approximately 10:47 p.m. and observed no activated strobes or alarms. The fire alarm panel showed an active alarm for a room in Allen Hall.
Upon making contact with the room’s residents, one student explained that the alarm had been triggered by the use of a hair straightener. No smoke or fire was present. The Ewing Fire Department arrived on scene at approximately 10:51 p.m., and the scene was deemed safe. The alarm was positively reset.
Feb. 14: Disoriented student
At approximately 9:20 p.m., Campus Police were dispatched to Hausdoerffer Hall for a medical call regarding an individual who was reported to be disoriented and having difficulty speaking. Upon arrival, campus police entered the room after the students roommates granted access. The patient was found lying on the floor in the fetal position.
The initial assessment revealed that the patient was alert and breathing, though their breathing was slightly labored. After asking several questions, it became clear that the patient was struggling to communicate as a result of their ongoing condition.
Campus Police helped the patient into an upright position to assist with the administration of prescribed medication. Lions EMS arrived at 9:29 p.m. and assumed patient care. The patient refused medical assistance and was released.
Feb. 16: Heart attack scare
A report of a student who believed he was having a heart attack led Campus Police to Centennial Hall. Upon arrival, the patient was found walking around, alert and speaking, though showing signs of being highly energized. After being instructed to sit down, the patient was questioned about his condition and confirmed that he was not experiencing pain or difficulty breathing.
Lions EMS arrived on scene at 3:33 a.m. and took over patient care. At 3:48 a.m., the patient was transported to Capital Health Hopewell for further evaluation.
Feb. 16: Trash can strikes
A student reported damage to their vehicle, prompting Campus Police to respond to the area near Yummy Sushi in Campus Town. The student stated that they had parked their car before starting work at approximately 11 a.m and discovered damage to the hood when they returned at 6:30 p.m., which they believed was caused by a trash can.
At approximately 7:20 p.m., the Campus Town manager arrived on scene and informed officers that they had already spoken with the student and that Campus Town would be handling the vehicle’s damages.
Feb. 18: Another boot
A gray Volkswagen Golf was identified as bootable in Lot 13 due to three unpaid TCNJ citations totaling $175. The three unpaid tickets were verified, and an orange immobilization tag on the driver’s side window and yellow boot on the driver’s side wheel.
Two additional tickets were issued and placed under the wiper — one for not having a decal and another for the boot placement — bringing the total fines to $275.
Feb. 18: One last boot
While conducting parking enforcement in Lot 7, a gray Hyundai Tucson was bootable due to three unpaid citations. The three unpaid tickets were verified, and an orange immobilization tag on the driver’s side window and yellow boot on the driver’s side wheel.
Two additional tickets were issued and placed under the wiper — one for not parking in the correct area and another for the boot placement — bringing the total fines to $250.
