Dear UMB Community:

On Friday, Sept. 30, we sent a UMB Alert notifying our community of an armed carjacking reported on campus. This incident understandably prompted questions from our University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) community. Over the past five days, my team and I have worked alongside the Baltimore Police Department to provide you with answers. The investigation found that the reported carjacking did not occur and that the individual filed a false police report.

Falsely reporting a crime is unconscionable and defies our University’s core value of Respect and Integrity. While this person is not a University student or employee, their actions have caused fear and distress in our community. I have spoken with several of you who have shared your concerns with me, and I want to thank you for trusting me with those difficult discussions. University leadership and I agree that there must be consequences for this action and its impact on our community. We are asking the Baltimore City State’s Attorney to charge the individual with filing a false police report. 

As your chief, I strive to earn your trust through transparency, accountability, and honesty. Our team continuously reviews our deployment strategies to ensure that our police and security officers are at the right place at the right time. As the days get shorter, please be aware of your surroundings, put away your headphones and cellphones, walk along well-lit roads, and use our Safe Walk/Safe Ride service. Our police and security officers are available 24/7 by calling 410-706-6882. In an emergency, always call 911. Stay safe. 

Sincerely, 

Thomas Leone, MSL
UMB Chief of Police