Seeing bags unattended at the gym is not an uncommon issue. However, after a recent incident, students should think twice before leaving their belongings out in the open while working out.
The University of Central Florida Police Department made an arrest early Tuesday morning regarding a stolen gym bag while the victim was playing basketball, according to UCFPD spokesperson Courtney Gilmartin.
Roshane Walker was playing basketball at the RWC Monday around 11 p.m. and placed his bag on a bench near the court. At the end of his game, the bag was missing.
Inside of the bag was an Apple Iphone 6, a black leather wallet, a credit card, a debit card, 9 dollars in cash, green Nike shoes and keys.
Walker was able to track his phone through a friend’s Iphone and GPS, according to the arrest affidavit.
Once contacting the police and locating his belongings, Walker and UCFPD headed to Collegiate Village Apartments to find the individual who stole his bag, the affidavit states.
Once at the apartment complex, Walker was able to identify the defendant, 23-year-old Hudson Ferguson III, according to the affidavit.
The defendant admitted to UCFPD that he stole the bag from the RWC, the affidavit states.
The cell phone was missing from the bag. The victim also reported that the defendant was wearing shoes that were inside the bag before the theft occurred, according to the affidavit.
The report states that the defendant showed the officer where he hid the stolen Iphone, under a trash can located on the second story of the apartment.
Gilmartin said that Ferguson admitted to taking the items “saying he needed money for food. Ferguson said he used a friend’s guest pass to enter the RWC and then took the bag after some encouragement from friends who he did not identify.”
Ferguson spent $110.03 on food purchases from local restaurants. He was arrested for 3rd degree grand theft and taken to Orange County Jail, according to Gilmartin.
“First, never leave your items unattended. Theft is the top crime at any college campus, and we want students to help prevent these crimes of opportunity by either keeping an eye on their valuables or making sure they are secured,” Gilmartin said.
UCFPD also wants students to know that if a crime occurs, they are a resource for them.
“We encourage students to report crimes or suspicious activity to us,” Gilmartin said, “and we take it seriously when they do. Police and the community working together makes UCF safer for everyone.”
