Salisbury police are on the hunt for a suspect they say broke into several off-campus residences used by Livingstone College students over winter break. Investigators have zeroed in on a person of interest and say multiple felony warrants have already been taken out, but the man they are looking for has not yet been picked up. College officials say they moved quickly to tighten security at the affected buildings while detectives work the case.
Investigators have identified 27-year-old Xavier Shykeem Simpson as the person of interest. He faces five counts of breaking and entering and seven counts of larceny after breaking and entering. Officers say the break-ins focused on students’ clothing and electronics at the College Park Apartments while most students were away for the holidays, according to WCNC.
Investigation breakthrough
According to Salisbury police, fingerprints recovered from the scenes, combined with video from Livingstone’s surveillance system, pointed them toward the suspect. Chief Patrick Smith told reporters, “The fingerprint is what, along with video surveillance from Livingstone, is what broke the case wide open.” Investigators say they now have 12 felony warrants tied to the case and are hoping to make an arrest soon. Those details were described in coverage by WSOC.
College ramps up security
Livingstone College officials say they have reinforced structural security at the affected properties, upgraded surveillance and monitoring systems, rekeyed units and added new locks and peepholes so students feel more secure when they return. President Anthony Davis said the work folds into a broader review of campus safety protocols and reporting procedures. The school outlined those steps publicly while detectives continue their investigation, according to WCNC.
What’s next
The Salisbury Police Department says the case remains active and that additional charges could be filed as new information comes in. Officers are asking anyone who noticed suspicious activity around the College Park Apartments during winter break to contact the department or submit tips through official channels. That request, along with the latest status of the case, was reported by WSOC.
