UK Alert Retracted Due to False Report of Robbery

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 25, 2014) — University of Kentucky Police issued a retraction of the UK Alert sent to the campus community overnight.  After further investigation, police have determined a UK student falsely reported a robbery.  Following is the retraction as sent via email to students, faculty and staff today:

The University of Kentucky values a safe community for all students, staff, faculty and visitors.

Late last night, UK Police were called to Kirwan Tower for a reported robbery that had occurred approximately two hours earlier. The victim, a UK student, originally reported to law enforcement that he had been robbed of cash in the stairwell of his residence hall. In the interest of public safety, UK Police issued a UK Alert for the incident.

Upon further investigation by officers and additional interviews with the victim, it was determined that the robbery incident had been fabricated by the victim and the reported incident did not occur.

If convicted under Kentucky Law, falsely reporting an incident to law enforcement is punishable by up to a $500.00 fine and/or imprisonment not to exceed 12 months. Additionally, if a student, those falsely reporting an incident will be referred to the Dean of Student’s Office for violation of the Code of Student Conduct.