The mystery's been solved. Apparently, our building was a target of convenience. An arrest warrant was issued on Friday for the crime of Deadly Conduct (a third degree felony). The suspect is an ex-professor in the Electrical Engineering department. He was apparently fired in 2001 and has been "suspected of Criminal Mischief, Stalking, and Deadly Conduct for the past 4 years." This according to the Affidavit for Warrant of Arrest and Detention that was filed when the arrest warrant was issued. He has apparently been targeting the Dean of the College and the Chairman of the Electrical Engineering department since his termination. Quoting further from the affidavit (typos and poor grammar in original):
On or about the anniversary date of termination, holidays, and graduation the above said people have been victims of vandalism in which spray paint, paint balls, BB guns, and now what appears to be a shot gun and a 22 caliber weapon have been used.
Reportedly on the morning of 5-20-05 at approximately 3:30 am [the Dean's wife] heard what appeared to be gunshots. Captured on surveillance tape on 5-20-05 at approximately 3:32 am a 2000 tan over green Ford Mustang believed to be owned by [the suspect], drives directly infront of the [Dean's] residence ([address deleted]). The survailance cameras again capture the vehicle driving by the [Dean's] house at 3:34 and and also shows the occupant of the vehicle firing two potentially deadly rounds from a firearm were fired in the direction of the [Dean's] residence, striking the [Dean's] 1994 Acura.
At approximately 3:40 am on the above said date [the Chairman's] residence at [address deleted] was also targeted. In which a potentially deadly round from firearm was fired at the residence and entered through the front door, lodging into the television set.
Also during the night the University of Texas was targeted, specifically the Petroleum Building in their Engineering Department, where rounds from a weapon were also fired at the building.
It is also documented through gate access and surveillance tape that [the suspect] return to his residence at approximately 4:00 am on the same date.
Based numerous reports, ongoing investigations, statements, surveillance tapes, and evidence it is Affiant's belief that on 5-20-05 [the suspect] knowingly discharged a firearm in the direction of a habitation. Therefore committing the offense of Deadly Conduct/ Third Degree Felony.
By the way, I'm not including people's names and addresses in this post because I don't want this page coming up on any search engine results. So, the question is: why target the Petroleum Engineering building if the Dean and the Chairman in question aren't over here? Why not target their buildings? Well, our building is located at the edge of campus. You can drive by and shoot at our door without ever having to leave the comfort of your vehicle. And, then make a quick getaway. We are part of the cluster of Engineering buildings. So, the message, oblique as it might be, is still getting across. I guess.
I hope this means the whole thing is over.
PS: One of the most shocking bits of information to come out of the affidavit is that the Dean's car is 11 years old! Wow. Heh.
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