Police investigating vandalism of Louisiana Tech Engineering building

RUSTON, La. (KNOE) - UPDATE: Louisiana Tech Police say they have identified the suspect of the vandalism as Jacob D. Roberts.

Roberts, a 30-year-old Louisiana Tech student, is currently jailed in Rogers, Ar. for unrelated charges.

Tech police say local police are working on extradition proceedings.

Louisiana Tech Police have charged Roberts with damaging the building with a firearm.

University Police Chief Randal Hermes says, " We appreciated the support we received throughout this investigation, particularly from the Louisiana State Police, Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, Union Parish Sheriff’s Office, Benton County Sheriff’s Office and Arkansas State Police. We also thank local business owner Scott Powell of Powell auto Sales in Ruston and the faculty in the College of Engineering and Science, as well as numerous campus community members who provided vital information during the process. This investigation shows how valuable community involvement and working together is to ensuring safety on our campus.”

UPDATE: Louisiana Tech Police are asking for help in searching for the suspect of the damages. LTP describe the suspect as a white male standing 5′10″ to 6′ tall with dark hair.

The suspect was last seen driving a blue Hyundai Santa Fe with a luggage rack on top.

If anyone has information on this case, Tech Police say to contact them at (318)-257-4018

Louisiana Tech Police Department is investigating the Integrated Engineering and Science Building vandalism that occurred on Dec. 31, 2022.

Tech Police say they believe a firearm was used to cause damage to the building.

Several of the building’s windows were destroyed.

This is an ongoing investigation with the Tech Police Department.

Tech Police asks anyone with information on this incident or knows of anyone that has shown concerning behavior regarding the College of Engineering to contact them at (318)-257-4018.

You can also make an anonymous report using the SafeDog app for Tech students.