NEIU Police Department Catches Campus Bandit

The NEIU Police Department (NEIUPD) arrested 53-year old Scott McClendon on March 5 outside the Ronald Williams Library after he was caught on surveillance stealing wallets from students' bags.

The NEIUPD turned McClendon over to the Northwestern University Police where he had an outstanding warrant for similar activity. McClendon was then charged with theft and criminal trespassing to real property, and held on a $25,000 bond.

This was the culmination of quick action and strategy initiated by the NEIUPD that started one week prior to McClendon's arrest. According to Sergeant John Schulz, on Monday, Feb. 27, a student reported their wallet stolen. Then, on Wednesday, Feb. 29, another student reported that their wallet was stolen. Although the student quickly canceled their credit cards, within 15 minutes of the credit cards being stolen there was more than $1000 charged on them from the Target on Peterson Avenue. NEIUPD went to the Target and searched the surveillance footage for a suspect.

"Once we were able to establish the person we were looking for and the type of vehicle being used, we initiated a surveillance of the library and parking lots," Schulz said.

Surveillance was up and running the day after the second wallet was stolen. NEIUPD caught McClendon in the act and he was arrested that following Monday. NEIUPD also arrested 32-year-old Maya Maclin who was in the car waiting for McClendon. Maclin was charged with theft and possessing stolen identification cards.

McClendon has preyed upon several universities according to Schulz. In June of 2010, there was a wanted poster for McClendon at the University of Wisconsin. In July of 2010, McClendon was arrested at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind. for stealing credit cards from a university employee. McClendon has 26 total convictions for offenses including: criminal trespassing to land, possession of a controlled substance, theft, gambling, burglary and attempted robbery. 

Schulz recommends that students be aware of their surroundings and to not leave valuables unattended, even in the library.  "[The NEIUPD] wants students and faculty to be aware that from time to time, people come on campus to commit crimes. With some common sense, awareness and being more careful about leaving their property unattended, crimes can be prevented," Schulz said.