Attack prompts reward offer, details yet to be finalized
The recent on-campus assault of an English instructor has sparked Eastern officials to establish a reward for serious crimes, while they work out the details later.
The $2,500 reward has been offered to anyone with information leading to the arrest and conviction of the offenders who allegedly assaulted Bill Feltt. The reward has been posted by Judicial Affairs, though the office is not sure yet where the money will come from, director Keith Kohanzo said.
Feltt was allegedly assaulted by six to eight males in their 20s Tuesday night at 1:50 a.m. after leaving the Gregg Triad computer lab. The attack happened on the southwest corner of the Martin Luther King Jr. University Union.
“We were planning last year to offer a standing reward for serious crimes,” Kohanzo said. “This latest incident prompted the need for an immediate decision.”
Currently, officials are planning on taking the money from the Judicial Affairs budget, but other departments may bear some of the cost as time goes on.
Kohanzo hopes the reward system will help solve crimes faster and deter possible offenders from committing crimes.
“It is very important that we solve this and any other serious crimes on campus,” he said. “Crime rates are very low on this campus, and this brings attention to the need to respond immediately. We are new to this, but, unfortunately, this is an example of where (a reward) may help the community.”
Because no formal paperwork or official plan has been discussed, Kohanzo did not know what types of crimes would constitute a reward. However, he speculated that felonies, serious misdemeanors like vandalism or property damage, assaults, and violent crimes would be included.
“I think (the reward) says something about the way Eastern feels towards its staff and employees, something positive,” said Feltt. “I also think it says that Eastern takes security seriously.”
The University Police department is encouraging anyone with information about the assault to call the department at 581-3213. All crime tips will be kept confidential.
