Reward offered in University of Denver vandalism case

The doors of a brick building and part of its stone facade covered with red paint.

An act of weekend vandalism — and a fake emergency call around the same time — are under investigation at the University of Denver, where an anti-war protest encampment continues in Gaza. (University of Denver)

DENVER (KDVR) — The Metro Denver Crime Stoppers are offering a $2,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for an act of vandalism on the University of Denver campus.

Police said that early in the morning of May 20, someone sprayed red paint on the facade of the Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science building, located in the 2100 block of East Wesley Avenue. Paint was sprayed on the sidewalk in front of the building.

The doors of a brick building and part of its stone facade covered with red paint. What appears to be writing spray painted on the brick walkway constitutes a derogatory remark about weapons manufacturer Lockheed Martin. — An act of weekend vandalism — and a fake emergency call around the same time — are under investigation at the University of Denver, where an anti-war protest encampment continues in Gaza. (University of Denver)

Investigators said that just before the vandalism, a diversion was created by someone who called campus security and reported a shooting at another location.

That report sparked a broad response from campus security and Denver police at the scene of the alleged shooting and away from the Richie Building. Police said the hijacking stretched their resources and created a dangerous situation endangering the safety of everyone on campus.

Investigators did not say whether they believe the vandalism was related to the ongoing pro-Palestinian protest on campus.

The protesters ignored the school administration’s order to disband the encampment they had established in front of the school administration building.

If you have any information, please contact Denver Police or Metro Denver Crime Stoppers. Tipsters can remain anonymous and still eligible for the cash reward.