Contact: Maridith Geuder
STARKVILLE, Miss.--Based on the investigation of a Wednesday night [Oct. 12] fire at Mississippi State, the university's police department is issuing a description of a suspect in what is now being considered a probable case of burglary and arson.
A fire confined to the basement of Dorman Hall has caused closure of the 40-year-old building through at least the weekend.
Police said Friday morning that witnesses have described the suspect as a Caucasian male of medium athletic build and approximately 35-40 years of age who was wearing black jeans and a black T-shirt displaying a red, white, and blue skull on front. At some point earlier in the evening, he was seen wearing a light-colored bandana on his head, investigators added.
The man last was observed at approximately 10:30 p.m. in the vicinity of the university's amphitheater, where an outdoor concert was taking place.
The suspect is described further as:
--Approximately 5-foot-10 inches tall,
--Weighing 175-190 pounds, with
--Clean-cut dark blonde or light brown medium-length hair that is longer on top than around the ears and neck, and
--Rough-appearing facial skin and cheeks without facial hair.
Police said he may have sustained potentially serious cuts or lacerations on his right arm as a result of the incident that could have led him to seek medical treatment.
Witnesses also said the suspect was observed walking with a white female, described as approximately 25-30 years of age, of slender build, and with shoulder-length, dark brown or black hair. She is described as approximately 5-foot-5 inches height and weighing 115-130 pounds.
Persons with any possible information about the identity of the suspect are asked to call the MSU Police Department at 662-325-2121, Starkville Police Department at 662-323-4131 or the Oktibbeha County Sheriff's Department at 662-323-2421.
Classes normally scheduled to meet in Dorman Hall have been temporarily reassigned to other campus locations.
Investigation, assessment and cleanup of the damage are continuing, university officials said.
For more information about Mississippi State University, see http://www.msstate.edu/.