This Lamar University Police Department crime alert is in reference to a former LU employee charged with driving while intoxicated, unlawful carry of a firearm, failure to identify, and resisting arrest. The incident occurred at the Lamar University T-9 parking lot, located at the corner of Iowa Avenue and Rolfe Christopher Drive in Beaumont, Texas.
Crime Information:
On Monday, March 29, 2021, at approximately 9:14 p.m., a suspicious male was following a Lamar University Police Officer in a white pickup truck. The officer noticed the pickup truck following them around before stopping to make contact with the driver, who appeared to be intoxicated. The driver had five loaded handguns, two loaded AK-47 rifles and a bag of loose ammunition within his immediate reach. The suspect was highly agitated, telling officers to shoot him at the scene. Officers were able to subdue the suspect; he was taken to the hospital for medical clearance before being transported to the Jefferson County jail. A criminal trespass warning was issued to the suspect for all of Lamar University's property.
Suspect Information:
Suspect: Mark Edward Smith, 63-year-old white male, 5'8" tall, 235 lbs., brown hair, green eyes, light complexion, with a gray mustache
Vehicle: White, 2018, GMC Sierra 1500, 4-door pickup truck, bearing Texas license plates LPB2052
Safety Tips:
- Call LUPD immediately if you see this person or vehicle on our campus!
- Do not approach this person if seen on campus.
- Look around and be aware of your surroundings.
- Call LUPD if you feel you need a safety escort.
- Travel in large groups at night–do not travel alone.