Irwin Hall Incident Update

At approximately 3:30 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 16, five bullets were fired into the glass portion of the north door of Irwin Hall on Baker University’s Baldwin City campus

Updated - 9:25 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 19

Baldwin City Police Department Press Release:

At approximately 3:30 AM on January 16, 2011, an unknown person fired multiple shots into a door located at the rear of Irwin Hall, 810 Dearborn Street, on the Baker Campus. Eyewitness statements describe a short, white male subject, wearing a dark “bomber” style jacket, running northwest from the area. The subject was seen getting into a dark colored Ford Taurus, Mercury Sable style of vehicle. The subject entered the passenger side of the vehicle and the vehicle left westbound towards 9^th St. No one was injured during the incident.

Baker University has agreed to fund a $1000 reward for information that leads to a conviction regarding the incident. Douglas County Crime Stoppers also may fund a cash reward for information that leads to a conviction that comes through the Tips Hotline. The Baldwin Police Department encourages anyone with information about this incident to contact us at 785 594-3850, or call the Crime Stoppers Tips Hotline at 785 843-TIPS (8477).  All callers to the Tips Hotline remain anonymous.

Here are responses to frequently asked questions since the incident.

Was anyone hurt?

No one was hurt.

How quickly did law enforcement respond?
The Baldwin City Police and Douglas County Sheriff arrived minutes after the emergency call. The campus Public Safety officer, team of resident assistants and a police officer did go to all the other residence halls to make sure they were secure.

How were the students notified?
The witness in Irwin Hall alerted the resident assistant on staff, and the resident assistant called 911 and her supervisor. A team of resident assistants went door to door alerting other students at Irwin Hall. Early Sunday morning signage was posted at the other residence halls and the student apartment complex alerting them of the incident at Irwin, and an e-mail was sent to Greek leadership, house directors and advisers. In response to the incident, we are implementing an additional review of our safety communication protocol.

How is the Baldwin City campus’ public safety department staffed?
A member of Baker’s Public Safety team is on campus 24/7 and patrols the areas of university-owned housing. Two Baldwin City Police Department officers are on-duty during overnight hours.

Is extra security being provided at this time?
The Public Safety Office has provided an additional officer during evening hours. Also, two Baldwin City police officers are patrolling more often near all of the facilities housing students.

How many people were in Irwin at the time?
There were 28 students at Irwin Hall.

Are guns allowed on campus?
University policy prohibits firearms anywhere on campus.

Are the residence halls locked at night?
The entrances to all residence halls are locked 24/7. The only way to enter the building is with a University-issued access card.

How close is the Baldwin City Police Department to campus?
The Baldwin City Police Department is one block away from the southern edge of campus. It is four blocks away from the northern edge of campus, where the incident occurred.

How often do incidents like this happen at the Baldwin City campus? Crime of any kind is extremely rare at Baker University. To review the most recent five-year campus security reports in compliance with the federal Jeanne Clery Act, go to https://www.bakeru.edu/baldwin/current-students/services/health-a-safety-information/security-reports

What do I do if I have any information about the incident?
Call the Baldwin City Police at 785 594-3850 or Dean of Students Cassy Bailey at her office at 785 594-8431 or her cell at 785 615-1802.  A financial reward is available to anyone offering information leading to a conviction.

What safety precautions does the Public Safety Office recommend?
As always, students are urged to be aware of their surroundings at all times. The Public Safety Office urges students to report any incidents out of the ordinary by calling 785 594-8430. If students want a security escort during nighttime hours on campus, they are encouraged to call the Public Safety Office.

What services are available for Baker students, faculty and staff emotionally affected by the incident?
Tim Hodges, director of the counseling center, is available to discuss concerns about this incident or other issues. Students, faculty and staff can drop by the center or call Tim at 785 594-8409 or e-mail him at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to set up an appointment.

Minister to the University Ira DeSpain at the Osborne Chapel is another excellent resource. He can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

To see the letter for the families of Baker University students, go to  http://www.bakeru.edu/landing/openletter

If you have more questions, please contact Steve Rottinghaus, director of public relations, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it