Police Chase Rogue Bicyclist Through Campus

Nearly 10 SCPD cruisers pursue man on bicycle

Sophie MattsonTHE SANTA CLARAApril 16, 2015[dropcap]A[/dropcap]caravan of police cars tore onto campus on Sunday night, chasing a bicyclist who failed to pull over for the Santa Clara Police Department.

The suspect, described as a white male, entered campus from Alviso Street and fled from police between Swig Hall and Benson Memorial Center while riding his bike. He escaped from police during the pursuit, which occurred between 10:55 and 11:05 p.m.

“It was bizarre because people don’t normally run from the police like that when they are on a bike,” said Phil Beltran, director of Campus Safety Services. “(SCPD) was going to stop and talk with him, and he evaded them and got onto campus.”

According to a campus-wide alert, there was no crime or weapon involved in the incident, and subsequently no danger to the campus community. 

Lieutenant Kurt Clarke, a spokesperson for SCPD, could not confirm why the police initially attempted to pull the suspect over.

While fleeing, the man left a backpack and jacket in a trash can near the Mission Church.

“He dumped his stuff in a garbage can, (including) a backpack that contained a number of things, but nothing in there indicated evidence of a crime,” said Beltran.

Four campus safety officers responded to the incident, as well as between five to 10 SCPD police units, according Beltran.

Contact Sophie Mattson at smattson@scu.edu or call (408) 554-4852.