The Vanguard

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Vanguard The

Serving USA students and the University community since 1963

June 6, 2011 |VOLUME 49, NUMBER 1

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University of South Alabama’s student newspaper

The Grove faces security issues after robbery This week’s Police Blotter features 4 robbery incidents at The Grove. Ranging in severity, the incidents are part of a larger issue: security. By Matt Weaver SENIOR REPORTER

Two people were robbed at gunpoint just outside of The Grove on the morning of May 23, according to University of South Alabama Police. The victims were described as a student and non-student who were in the parking lot near Building 9 of the on-campus housing complex near Old Shell and Hillcrest roads at about 1:15 a.m. when a car pulled up and two men jumped out, according to USAPD. The men asked for a cigarette lighter before reaching for pistols. The robbers were described as African-American, both at sixfeet tall and weighing about 160 pounds. Both wore white T-shirts and blue jeans.

One robber was described as having short cropped hair and the other wore dreadlocks. The robbery is the most recent in a series of crimes near The Grove that has shaken the student community. The University recently tightened security and instituted nighttime checkpoints for those driving onto the campus but criminal activity has persisted. South Alabama junior Kayla Sandifer lives in The Grove and said she would like to see additional security enhancements. “It’s not safe here because there are always these random strangers in The Grove and we can’t tell who lives here and who doesn’t,” Sandifer said. “Anyone can walk in at any time and just do whatever they want. “It’s super scary.” Both officials from USA and the Grove are working together to monitor the area and are advising students to keep an eye on who enters the property, especially those who are staying overnight. “Guests who enter the property should be

Staff Photo

The Grove is a student apartment complex located on the exterior of campus by Old shell Rd. It is patrolled by USAPD. Crime at The Grove is a pressing issue for USAPD and residents.

see GROVE | 4

late the student Code of Conduct, program. Riis has been indefinitely sus- he will likely be subjected to a hearpended from the team pending a ing with the University Disciplinary full investigation by the Athletic De- Committee (UDC). The hearing would either be an partment. “We’ve suspended the player from informal hearing where no witnesses the team effective immediately,” are called or a formal hearing that Athletic Director Dr. Joel Erdmann relies on witness testimony, according to The Lowdown. said. Riis, a 5-foot-9, 180-pound “We’re going to open an investir e c e i v e r, gation to returned figure out three punts what hapal.com for a total pened and of 3 yards we’re curduring rently in the 2010 the early season. stages of He had gathering a total of informatacktion.” Head By Matt Weaver -Athletic Director Joel Erdmann eight les on decoach Joey SENIOR REPORTER fense, six Jones is curUniversity of South Alabama foot- rently away of which ball player Earling Riis IV was ar- on assignment and has meetings were unassisted. rested early on May 29 on a charge scheduled with Erdmann next week This is the second incident in as of driving under the influence, ac- to discuss what’s next. many seasons for the football procording to Mobile County Metro “We just found out [on Monday] gram after Zach Brownell damaged Jail records. and we’re not going to comment 22 cars in the Delta area parking lot Riis, 22, was booked at about 3:30 publicly just yet,” Jones said in a in April 2010. a.m. and released on $1,000 bail, phone conversation with The VanBrownell was indefinitely susaccording to jail records. pended from the program and has guard. The Mobile-native is a backup “All I can say is that we’re investi- gone off the radar following the inwide receiver who has also returned gating the situation.” cident. punts for South Alabama’s football Because Riis’ alleged actions vio-

Football player arrested for DUI

IPolice Blotter p.2

“We’ve suspended the player from the team effective immediately.”

News in Brief p. 4

Weather p. 5

Campus Pulse p. 8

inside

Opinion | Point/Counterpoint Should Pell Grants be restricted to students by semester?

Life | Geology Field Camp Students think with their feet and trek the southwest to learn about their discipline hands-on.

Sports | Kittrell Memorial Paying tribute to a great in the world of South Alabama sports.

JagLife p. 12


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