ACU Police recently charged an ACU freshman with Class B Possession of marijuana and are investigating a criminal mischief charge for another student.
Police responded to an anonymous report of two men in possession of a gun in the parking lot in front of McDonald Hall around 10:30 p.m. on Sept. 17. Chief of Police Jimmy Ellison said ACU Police officers quickly arrived at the scene and approached two men who matched the description.
While the officers were talking with the two suspects, another individual approached the scene and reported one of their car’s windows had just been shot out by one of the suspects. ACU Police are currently investigating the evidence.
“Through the course of their investigation they located what turned out to be a BB air rifle under the vehicle,” Ellison said. “As they continued their investigation they located a quantity of marijuana.”
While searching the suspects’ car, ACU Police found half an ounce of marijuana in nine separate baggies, as well as smoking accessories and electronic scales. The individual who owned the car claimed possession of the marijuana and was arrested by ACU Police for Class B Possession of Marijuana and taken to the Taylor County jail by Abilene Police.
Ellison said both students were also referred to ACU’s judicial affairs, which will deal with upholding the university’s polices in the case.
According to the ACU Student Handbook, “The university has a zero-tolerance policy prohibiting the unlawful possession, use or distribution of illegal drugs and controlled substances. Violations of this policy will be assessed the full range of disciplinary responses, including the possibility of immediate dismissal from the university.”
Under Texas law, possession of a usable quantity of marijuana carries a minimum a fine of up to $2,000 and/or 180 days in jail.
Ellison said he was thankful someone called to report the crime and stressed that the ACU Police rely on the community to help alert them to suspicious activity. He said the ACU Police would continue to be an active presence at ACU.
“We are going to enforce that law aggressively on campus and around campus,” Ellison said. “We owe it to the community to maintain a drug-free environment.”
