Rollerskating trespasser raises safety concerns on campus

This semester, various students and public safety alike have come into contact with a rollerskating intruder trespassing on campus. According to video evidence held by Paul Turgeon, Senior Director of Campus Services, this mentally unstable man has attempted to interact with students more than once.  

In the video, the man attempts to argue with Campus Public Safety for an extended amount of time. 

“He is very belligerent. I urge students to not engage in conversation with him, as it will provoke him to possibly act out,” Turgeon said.  

According to paperwork obtained by the Costa Mesa police department, Turgeon also said that the subject has an apparent history of violence.  

Even after the man interacted with multiple students, Campus Public Safety did not do more to apprehend the subject because the city of Costa Mesa requires a verbal warning first before arrest, according to Turgeon. 

Director of Facilities Daniel Torro has worked with Turgeon on safety concerns. With circumstances like this, Torro explained why it can be tricky for Vanguard to take action.   

“It’s difficult in our seats as a worker at VUSC to handle things based off hearsay because it’s difficult to respond … email us, take the surveys, come into our offices, etc. to voice your concerns,” Torro said. 

Because acting off of informal conversation is difficult, Torro the best way to come together and address students’ issues is through the appropriate dialogue and communication. 

“For those who feel unheard, how can we close that gap and communicate better so that your expectations are meant and engage in proper dialogue? Those feelings are valid and can be affirmed. However, some dialogue isn’t always had through productive channels through my experience as a leader, so I have not been given the chance to fix problem directly,” he said. 

Torro aims for students and faculty alike to be able to bridge the gap regarding the student body’s concerns in an effective way. 

“We can respond and heal frustrations to close that gap, but it has to be productive and communicated properly,” he said.