Arrest of UMBC Police Officer

We are disappointed and sad to inform you that Walter Christopher, who has been a member of the UMBC Police force for two years, is the person arrested in connection with a series of suspected arson incidents on campus. Mr. Christopher is currently being held without bail at the Baltimore County Detention Center.

When the arson incidents were reported on campus beginning in December 2021, UMBC Police immediately worked with the State Fire Marshal to investigate. Today's arrest was based on the results of this joint investigation. We are grateful to all those from our campus and beyond who participated. We take these allegations very seriously and will continue to cooperate with law enforcement authorities as the case moves through the judicial process. We will keep the campus informed of further developments.

President Freeman Hrabowski
Vice President for Administration and Finance Kathy L. Dettloff