WSU PD responds to “Ruins Trail,” warns against breaking and entering – The Daily Evergreen

The WSU Police Department and the university have been made aware of a series of social media posts, which now appear to be deleted, referencing a “Ruins Trail” including vacant and abandoned buildings on campus. Although it may be tempting to go on self-guided tours of these buildings, doing so could result in serious injury and arrest, WSU PD said.

Many of these abandoned buildings are slated for renovation or demolishment, Assistant Police Chief Harry Smith said. Exploring these buildings is strongly discouraged, as trespassers could be seriously injured by structural hazards and safety equipment no longer functioning.

In addition to being discouraged, unlawful entry of a building is illegal, and trespassers can be arrested for first-degree criminal trespass, a gross misdemeanor, Smith said. Those unlawfully entering with the intent to commit a separate crime can be arrested for second-degree burglary, a class B felony.

“These are serious crimes that can subject a student, or anyone else, to jail and/or prison time,” he said. “At the very least, if students are found to be entering buildings that they aren’t supposed to be in, they may be subject to student conduct violations.”

Police were made aware of this trend Feb. 7. Officers responded by conducting checks of the areas, confirming some buildings to be unsecured. On Feb. 8, officers found Stevens Hall, a vacant residence hall, to be unsecured. It is unclear whether Stevens Halls is connected, Smith said.

Facilities Services, as well as Housing and Residence Life, are working to secure vacant buildings, Smith said. WSU PD will also be increasing patrols around these buildings.

Smith concluded by asking those involved to stop, both for their own personal safety and for their freedom.

“First, as a message to those who may be going into buildings along what is dubbed ‘The Ruins Trail’ on campus: Stop it,” Smith said. “That activity may subject you to hazards, as well as legal and administrative consequences. If you know someone who is doing this, tell them to stop it.”