Community Concern Regarding Recent Paintball Incidents

UPDATE: OCTOBER 17, 2023

The University of Chicago Police Department has arrested three suspects believed to be involved in the recent paintball incidents on and near campus.

OCTOBER 15, 2023

To: Members of the University Community

From: Eric M. Heath, Associate Vice President for Safety & Security, and Michele Rasmussen, Dean of Students in the University

Subject: Community Concern Regarding 

We are writing to share that over the last 24-hours, the University of Chicago Police Department (UCPD) has received 3 separate police reports of individuals in vehicles shooting paintball guns at pedestrians. While these incidents do not typically cause serious injury, they pose a community hazard, and we take them seriously.

All three of the incidents reported to the University have occurred on campus or immediately adjacent to campus property. The incidents have occured in both daylight and evening hours and have impacted members of the University community. Victims have described several vehicles involved in the incidents, including a silver sedan, a black sedan, and a red sedan; possibly a Chrysler.

If you witness a similar incident or other concerning activity, please report it to UCPD immediately. UCPD Detectives are reviewing video records to assist in the identification of the vehicles, and UCPD is conducting directed patrols as a result of these incidents.

Be alert and aware of your surroundings at all times. Familiarize yourself with the location of the University's emergency phones. If you see suspicious activity, please report it immediately to police by activating an emergency phone, by calling the UCPD or using the UChicago Safe mobile safety app. Visit the Department of Safety & Security's website for more information about safety and security at the University of Chicago.