Theft on Campus

Six laptop computers were reported stolen from the BSU Special Events Center on July 10, and a warrant for the arrest of BSU student Reashard Howard for the theft of three of the computers is forthcoming, according to the Boise State police department.

According to officer Damon Baughman, Howard admitted to stealing three computers, which were recovered from a local pawn shop three or four weeks ago. However, Baughman says that he believes Howard to be responsible for the theft of all six computers.

“Someone gained access to a storage area within the Special Events Center and burglarized an equipment storage cage,” said Doug Lakes, technical services manager for the Student Union.

Six computers were stolen from behind a chain link fence in the stage area, where the computers were being prepared for the Student Union Information Desk laptop loaner program, according to Lakes.

“The day they were stolen, all of the doors to the Special Events Center were open because the floor was being resealed,” Baughman said. “That’s probably how he got in.”

The recovered computers from the pawn shop were essential in catching Howard, according to Baughman.

“Pawn shops are required to enter [acquired] items in a database,” Baughman said.

“Detectives can search the database for items that may have been stolen, which is how we found these.”

“The recovered laptops are again being prepared for deployment at the Information Desk, which will boost the loaner program to thirty laptops,” Lakes said.

Howard is currently being housed at the Ada County Jail for unrelated charges, including battery, malicious injury to property, and burglary. He will be charged with felony grand theft, according to Baughman.

Howard is currently enrolled at BSU this fall, according to Bob Evancho, associate director of communications at BSU.

He said the university would wait until law enforcement charges Howard before taking any disciplinary action.

Sara Bahnson / Assistant News Editor

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