MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A man is facing charges after he allegedly snuck into a University of Memphis student’s dorm Tuesday, cut him with a knife and vandalized his car.
According to Memphis Police, Kaleb Steward, 19, lied to a UofM employee to access the victim’s dorm room in the Living Learning Complex. Once inside, he waited for the victim to come.
When he arrived, Steward reportedly ambushed him with a knife. The victim was able to fight back but was ultimately cut on the left side of his face.
Records show that the disturbance caught the attention of others, which allowed the victim to get help.
Steward was taken into custody, where he admitted to the attack. He also revealed to police that he had slashed the victim’s tires and broken his car window in the U of M parking lot.
MPD says the cost to fix the window is $500. The cost to fix the tires is $300.
Steward is being charged with Aggravated Burglary, Aggravated Assault, two counts of Vandalism of $1,000 or less, filing a False Offense Report and Carrying a Weapon on School Property.
The University of Memphis released the following statement regarding the incident:
“We are aware of the situation at the Living Learning Complex. The safety and security of our students, faculty and staff is paramount, and we are taking all appropriate measures. Due to it being an ongoing investigation, we cannot comment further at this time.”
With the semester nearly over some students say this news has them on edge.
“It’s finals week, I am trying to focus on my finals. But ever since I heard that news, I am scared,” Taylor Wiley.
Students say before this latest incident they felt the university was making progress when it comes to student safety.
“They also installed a bunch of these emergency camera things, so you just press them … and they did a great job of making campus more lit, so all of that stuff contributes to student safety but sometimes some things are out of your control,” Abdul Lanelayan said. “Some stuff like that does happen but it is not a reflection on the University of Memphis. It’s just sometimes people get agitated and they do stuff in the wrong place at the wrong time.”
One student who lives in the dorm where the alleged attack happened says he feels safe at the university, but said it is possible for someone who is not a student to gain access.
“I mean you got to swipe at almost every door to get in, but I mean it’s still able to get inside pretty easily. Someone can easily open the door for you,” Isaiah Pierce said.
