Colorado State University Police Apprehend Man on Roof of Residence Hall

At 4:04 a.m. CSU Police received a call that a man, later identified as Fort Collins resident Charles Holland, was seen on the roof of Edwards Hall, a student residence on the main Colorado State University campus. Police arrived at 4:06 a.m., and the man began threatening to jump. Police began negotiating with the individual immediately and managed the situation until the individual was arrested at 6:14 a.m. Holland is not a student.

It was determined by police early in the negotiations that the man was not armed. However, to ensure safety, the area was secured and remained in police control until Holland was arrested. In addition to CSUPD, Fort Collins police negotiators were called to the scene and Poudre Fire Authority and Poudre Valley Hospital ambulances were on scene to provide assistance.

Although police determined that the man was not armed, 100 student residents of Edwards Hall in the man’s immediate area were evacuated as a precaution. Students who were evacuated were moved to the basement and not allowed outside. Resident Hall advisors in Edwards Hall and all neighboring residence halls were also notified and put on lock-down alert. All entrances into Edwards and surrounding halls were locked down so no one could enter, and staff was stationed at all doors to alert students of the situation wishing to leave. Surrounding roads and entrances onto campus were also blocked. Police and housing were in the process of initiating further safety measures in the area before classes began and students began to arrive on campus when the man was apprehended.

By 4:40 a.m. housing administrators were organizing to wake all remaining students at Edwards Hall and the surrounding resident halls to alert them of the lockdown and review the situation and pertinent safety measures. Plans were also in place by administrators to alert the campus community that would have been completed by about 7 a.m.

The man has been known by police to be armed and dangerous in the past, and all precautions were taken. Surrounding residence halls are Ingersoll Hall to the West, which is along Shields Street, and Summit Hall to the south. The area immediately to the East of the dorm is a construction zone and the area immediately to the north is sport and recreation fields.

The man will be charged initially by the CSUPD and Fort Collins Police for 2nd Degree Criminal Trespass. Charles Holland has outstanding warrants for Violation of Bond Conditions, Violations for Order of Protection and Domestic Violence. He has an extensive criminal history from several states, including Colorado for robbery, kidnapping, aggravated assault, harassment, burglary and felony menacing.  

As of 6:40 a.m. residents of Edwards Hall were cleared to return to their rooms. Residence Life staff, including RAs, are available for on-campus students who have additional questions or concerns.

Concerned parents and students can call the Vice President for Student Affairs at 970-491-5312.

-30-