October 12, 2004
by Bob Finnerty

Arrests Made in RIT's Crossroads Robbery

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TO: RIT Community
FROM: Albert Simone, President
RE: Arrests in Crossroads Cafe robbery and shootings

Oct. 13, 2004

Dear RIT Colleagues:

I am relieved to announce today the arrest of two men who have been linked to the Oct. 4 robbery and shootings at Crossroads Café. Monroe County Sheriff Patrick O'Flynn alerted me today that these men have been charged with this crime and they are in custody in the county jail. One of the individuals was a temp worker at Crossroads. He began working on Sept. 6th. Police are continuing their investigation.

I would like to thank the Monroe County Sheriff's Office for conducting a thorough and swift investigation that led to today's arrests. RIT's Campus Safety also played a pivotal role in handling this unfortunate incident. These arrests are now in the hands of the Monroe County District Attorney's Office. It is my hope, when all facts and evidence have been reviewed, that justice will prevail.

Our three RIT colleagues involved in this disturbing event remain in our thoughts and prayers. Their health and welfare is our top priority. They are at home and recuperating with loved ones.

Since Oct. 4, we have taken many steps to enhance safety on campus:

  • Increased patrols on campus by reallocating resources and contracting with an outside security firm.
  • More than 400 employees, including students, have attended training sessions to enhance crime prevention education and awareness.
  • Cash handling procedures have been re-evaluated.
  • We continue to reinforce personal safety tips.

Furthermore, by law, RIT must conduct criminal background checks on employees who work in security and childcare. Prior to the Crossroads incident, RIT had been diligently working on expanding criminal background checks to more employees. Employees affected include:

  • Employees with access to students in living environments.
  • Drivers of RIT-owned or leased vehicles.
  • Employees with access to cash, negotiable instruments, and/or confidential university-level data.
  • Employees with access to major university/college/division network and systems.

The target date for implementing these criminal background checks is Nov. 1. This will be required for new hires.

I believe the event at Crossroads was an isolated and unusual occurrence. RIT is a very safe campus. Yet the RIT community must remain vigilant and alert. As we move forward, safety will remain a top priority for our students, faculty and staff.

Cordially Yours,

Albert J. Simone
President