UWL Police Search for Coate Hall Intruders
Authorities are investigating reports of three individuals entering occupied residence hall rooms on campus.
Updated on Oct. 19, 2026 in Property Crime
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The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Police Department is searching for three suspects who gained unauthorized access to multiple occupied rooms at Coate Hall. Campus officials have issued a formal safety warning to students regarding the incidents.
Why it matters
Security breaches in residential housing impact student safety and the overall integrity of on-campus living environments. The investigation remains ongoing as police work to identify the intruders.
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse police are actively seeking three suspects involved in the Coate Hall incidents. The public is encouraged to contact the department at 608-789-9000 with any information.
The players
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Police Department
This is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for maintaining safety and security on the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse campus.
Coate Hall
This is a residence hall located on the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse campus that serves as student housing.
The details
The three suspects include a white male with blonde hair wearing a black hoodie, a person of unknown sex and race in black clothing and sandals, and a tall, skinny white male wearing a dark gray and green shirt. All three gained access to multiple rooms at the Coate Hall residence hall.
Timeline
The unauthorized entries occurred between October 18 and October 19, 2026.
Campus police issued an official warning to students on October 19, 2026.
Legal Context
The investigation follows security notification protocols mandated by the Clery Act for higher education institutions. These procedures ensure that students are alerted to potential safety threats within residential facilities to maintain campus security.
Students residing in or visiting Coate Hall should ensure their doors are locked and report any suspicious activity to university police immediately. Increased vigilance on campus remains the priority while the investigation into the intruders continues.
The takeaway
Maintaining personal security in communal living environments requires constant attention to door locks and visitor policies. Residents are encouraged to report any unknown persons who do not appear to be university community members.
Further reading
Find more updates on local security trends in La Crosse Property Crime.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WXOW.
Live Poll
Do you feel campus security measures are sufficient to protect students living in university dormitories?
