University officials emailed students today in hopes one or more among them might have information regarding the assault Thursday that resulted in the death of Colton Gleason, 20, of Greenfield.
Gleason was visiting St. Cloud last week and walking with friends west of campus when the incident occurred. He died Friday at St. Cloud Hospital.
The text of the message, which was also sent to St. Cloud State employees, reads:
The St. Cloud Police Department and St. Cloud State
University are partnering to help identify persons involved in an incident last
Thursday night that resulted in the death of 20-year-old Colton Gleason.
The St. Cloud State University community is greatly saddened by Colton’s death
and expresses sympathy to his family and friends.
Although Colton was not a student at St. Cloud State and
this incident did not happen on campus, we are concerned for the well-being and
safety of the entire community.
Anyone with information about this incident can text
anonymously to Crimestoppers at CRIMES (274637). Simply enter the word
“tritip” and then enter your tip information.
You can also anonymously call Crimestoppers, which is
offering up to a $1,000 reward for information, at 320-255-1301 or 1-800-255-1301
and get more information at www.tricountycrimestoppers.org
For students who may have concerns, professionals at
Counseling and Psychological Services provide confidential support.
This incident is a reminder that personal safety is an issue
for everyone. Following basic safety practices, like those sent out Sept.
13, is important and we encourage you to
follow these tips:
- Avoid alleys
- Stay in well-lighted areas; travel major thoroughfares
- Travel in groups; do not travel alone
- Don’t desert your friends
- Do not text or use headphones when walking
- Avoid confrontations; leave the area when you notice something concerning
- Lock your residence doors and windows
- Do not let strangers know when your residence is unoccupied or when you are home alone
- Report any suspicious activities to 911
- Take the Late Nite Bus to the stop nearest your residence
Members of the St. Cloud Police Department’s Community Crime
Impact Team are available for questions at a kiosk most Wednesdays in Atwood
Memorial Center and during scheduled residence hall programs. The
University, the St. Cloud Police Department and Student Government are working
together on safety and other issues. The Student Government leadership
team will communicate with students in the coming days.
Again, anyone with information about the incident above,
please text CRIMES at 274637. Students
with questions should call the Student Life and Development Office at 320-308-3111.
