Timely Warning Notification: Serious Off-Campus Incident

5:00pm on September 12th, 2022

Timely Warning Bulletin

Serious Off-Campus Incident

At approximately 4 p.m. today, the University Police Department received notification of an incident reported to have involved numerous juveniles at the corner of Western Avenue and Ontario Street in Albany. This incident reportedly involved multiple shots fired, a reported stabbing and two individuals transported to Albany Medical Center Hospital for treatment. There are no suspects in custody at this time. The suspect believed to have had a handgun was described as a dark skinned black male with short black hair wearing a long sleeve grey shirt, with a black hooded sweatshirt underneath. He was also described as wearing dark jeans, white sneakers and displayed a silver slide handgun. Immediately following the incident, the suspect was believed to have fled north on Ontario Street.

The Albany Police Department is investigating, and if anyone has information that may assist in their investigation, we urge you to call (518) 462-8039.  

UPD will have an increased presence on Alumni Quad and is available to escort students if needed.

Based on the information currently available to UPD, nobody affiliated with the University is believed to have been directly involved. Because this incident occurred in close proximity to Alumni Quad, however, I want to take this opportunity to reiterate some of the safety tips we shared with you earlier this semester.

  1. Avoid large gatherings – both indoors and out – in midtown Albany. There is no safe way to be in these crowds right now, especially if there are people in them you do not know.
  2. Be aware of your surroundings – If a situation feels unsafe, trust your instincts. If you hear or see arguing or fighting, move away as safely as you can.
  3. If you see something, say something – Always carry your phone, and don’t hesitate to call for help if you see something that doesn’t feel/look right.

 

Dial 911 for an off-campus emergency.

If you need help on campus or would like an escort, call UPD at 518-442-3131 or 911 from any campus phone.

Visit the UPD website and be sure to follow us on

Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook for more tips on how to stay safe.

Sincerely, 
 

Paul Burlingame 
Chief of Police