Belhaven University President beefs up security - MSNewsNow.com - Jackson, MS

Belhaven University President beefs up security after kidnapping

By  Julie Straw - bio | email | twitter

JACKSON, MS (WLBT) - An arrest warrant was issued Friday for a Jackson teen suspected of helping kidnap and rob a Belhaven University student Wednesday.  The school was taking immediate action to boost security in and around campus.

Two days following the kidnapping and robbery of a Belhaven University student Jackson Police named a suspect, 16 year old Jeffrey Wilson.  Police believe he is one of four men who followed the 22 year old female to her car off campus November 3rd. 

They made her drive them to an ATM while a white car trailed behind.  She crashed the vehicle on purpose and escaped.  Later that night two of the suspects were caught on surveillance video using the victims credit cards at a store inside Metro Center mall.

"Unfortunately this incident was just off the campus and so it was not caught by our security cameras.  Although, we see on our cameras security going by not too long before it happened," said Belhaven University President Dr. Roger Parrott.

Belhaven University has a network of 130 security cameras.  Dr. Parrott is increasing safety measures starting with flood lights on security vehicles and doubling the number of security officers around campus.

"We added five new what we're calling security escorts.  These are out on the street," said Dr. Parrott.

In a letter to students Dr. Parrott outlined what they can do to protect themselves like being aware of their surroundings, not listening to music with ear-buds when walking at night, having a cell phone open and ready and not leaving valuables visible in your car.

"Crime is part of the world.  It is not localized to Jackson.  It's all around the world in every community.  We're going to do all we can to support them, help be the eyes for them, but they got to participate as well," said Dr. Parrott.

Belhaven University is offering a $5,000 reward for the arrests and convictions of the men involved.

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