Purdue police warn of break-in on Russell Street

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue University Police are investigating a break-in that occurred Wednesday morning at 130 Russell St., West Lafayette

A male resident of the house told police he was awakened by the handle to his room door being jiggled, said interim Police Chief John Cox. The resident got up to see who was at the door and reportedly saw a white male walking down the hallway trying to open doors to other rooms.

The suspect reportedly saw the resident and fled from the house to the parking lot where he got into a white late 1990s model mid-size pickup truck with a black stripe or design on the side and drove away.

The suspect was described as 30 to 40 years of age, about 6′ 3″ to 6′4″ tall, with a shaved head. The resident also stated the suspect had a muscular build and was wearing a blue sweatshirt.

“Even though school is not in session, residents are reminded to keep their doors and belongings secured,” Cox said. “Incidents like this occur year round in and around campus. Students, staff and visitors are reminded to continue to stay vigilant and report all crimes and suspicious behavior to the police department.”

Anyone with information on this incident, is asked to contact the Purdue University Police Department at 765-494-8221.

Purdue police charge man with residential entry

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue University police charged a man with breaking into a residence at a West State Street apartment complex Thursday (May 1) evening.

Jacob Engberts, 24, a senior from Terre Haute, Ind., majoring in Liberal Arts, was charged with residential entry, a Class D felony. According to a report, Purdue police were called to an apartment at 1317 W. State St., at 8:54 p.m. following an incident between a couple that had broken up earlier Thursday. The woman told police that when she returned to her apartment, she saw Engberts in the hallway area of the complex with her laptop, which had been in her apartment.

“She said she asked why he was at her apartment and how he was able to get in since the door was locked,” said Purdue police detective Sgt. Matt Rosenbarger.

Bond was set at $500 for the residential entry charge. A Class D felony is punishable by a maximum of five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.