Statement from John Cox, Purdue University police chief

Gateway to the Future arch at Purdue University.

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. —

Purdue University police became aware Friday night (Feb. 4) of an incident that occurred that evening involving a Purdue police officer who responded to an urgent call from a third party following our “see something, say something” campus safety guidance. The caller stated that it appeared a woman was being held against her will near Horticulture Drive.

Any time a PUPD officer uses force in connection with an arrest, the department conducts an internal review. PUPD commenced that review, led by Deputy Chief Lesley Wiete immediately upon receiving the officer’s report on Friday night. That investigation will, under PUPD General Orders, include input from all witnesses to the arrest and take into account all available evidence, including video from officers’ body-worn cameras and statements from the students involved. No physical injuries were suffered in the incident. 

Purdue police take incidents such as this seriously. The video from body-worn cameras will be made available as will all findings and evidence from the internal review when complete.

More Purdue News

Construction workers around girder

Purdue Polytechnic school renamed for Bowen family after $10M investment

December 17, 2025

Purdue University launches new online Master of Science in strategy in security and defense technologies

December 16, 2025

Joseph Balagtas, professor of agricultural economics at Purdue University.

Food survey records consumer perceptions during government shutdown

December 10, 2025

Writer to incorporate when release is finalized; see link above for best practices for alt text

Purdue, Purdue Research Foundation mark transformative year of growth, industry partnership

December 10, 2025