Fine Arts break- in investigation continues

10/27/09 - Thursday morning the University of Rhode Island's Fine Arts Center was evacuated after a gas leak was reported. The leak is suspected to be a result of an attempted burglary, which is currently under investigation by the URI police. "We believe that the gas leak may not have been an intentional act, but may have been done in the act of breaking into the building itself," Maj. Stephen Baker of URI police said.

It is suspected that vandals had been attempting to break into the building through the skylights, causing damage to the roof and other places inside and outside of the building, Baker said.

The key items damaged were the three broken skylights and a gas heating unit, Jerry Sidio, director of Facility Services, said.

"[The heating unit] was pulled away from its foundation and moved over to the side and in doing that they ruptured the gas line," Sidio said.

Camera and computer equipment were reported stolen from the building after the break in. As of now, there are no suspects. It is possible, Baker said, that more than one person was involved, though that is not confirmed.

"We did process the crime scene for a considerable amount of time," Baker said. "We have some evidence that we submitted to the crime lab and we're waiting for the results back."

In the interim, Facility Services is working to repair the damages.

The heating units have been repaired, but the broken skylights are currently covered with wooden planks. The permanent fix will be to reinstall the Plexiglas. This is expected to be installed within two to three weeks.

The estimated cost for the repairs is not certain, but is expected to be several thousand dollars, Sidio said.