Spring Break
Public safety honors observant Freshman
Noah Cohen
Issue date: 4/6/07 Section: News
University freshman Agastya Arya was honored by public safety officials for his role in thwarting a theft of a fellow student's cell phone Jan 20.
Arya was volunteering to monitor the University's security camera system as part of the DragonVision program.
While observing the area around East Hall Agastya noticed three suspicious males.
"I saw one of them pick something up, it was shinny, one flipped it open, I thought it could be a wallet or credit card" Arya said.
After getting the alert public safety officers were dispatched to the scene and were flagged down by a group of students who reported a cell phone had just stolen by one of the three males spotted by Arya.
Public safety officers pursued the males to 30th Street Station where they were held until the Philadelphia Police arrived.
All the suspects were juveniles.
Officials from public safety praised Arya's fast response.
"Due to Agastya's quick thinking, he notified the dispatcher of the situation and an officer was en route moments after the theft took place," director of Support Services Candace Wannamaker said.
Wannamaker explained that this is the first time a student volunteer has caused an arrest.
Arya, who was given a plaque and a luncheon by public safety, remains humble.
"I just did what I was supposed to do, I didn't expect anything," he said.
Although Arya has completed his required volunteer hours, he wants to continue his work at DragonVision.
He selected the volunteer post out of an interest in public safety and the possibility of excitement. "It's kind of exciting if something happens," Arya said.
"I've always been interested in security stuff," he added
Not surprising for the son of high-ranking police official in India. "My dad is a Joint Commissioner."
Arya says he is planning on taking the police officer exam in India but remains unsure of his future career.
Regardless of what career Arya pursues he holds a strong sense of justice and compassion.
Arya was volunteering to monitor the University's security camera system as part of the DragonVision program.
While observing the area around East Hall Agastya noticed three suspicious males.
"I saw one of them pick something up, it was shinny, one flipped it open, I thought it could be a wallet or credit card" Arya said.
After getting the alert public safety officers were dispatched to the scene and were flagged down by a group of students who reported a cell phone had just stolen by one of the three males spotted by Arya.
Public safety officers pursued the males to 30th Street Station where they were held until the Philadelphia Police arrived.
All the suspects were juveniles.
Officials from public safety praised Arya's fast response.
"Due to Agastya's quick thinking, he notified the dispatcher of the situation and an officer was en route moments after the theft took place," director of Support Services Candace Wannamaker said.
Wannamaker explained that this is the first time a student volunteer has caused an arrest.
Arya, who was given a plaque and a luncheon by public safety, remains humble.
"I just did what I was supposed to do, I didn't expect anything," he said.
Although Arya has completed his required volunteer hours, he wants to continue his work at DragonVision.
He selected the volunteer post out of an interest in public safety and the possibility of excitement. "It's kind of exciting if something happens," Arya said.
"I've always been interested in security stuff," he added
Not surprising for the son of high-ranking police official in India. "My dad is a Joint Commissioner."
Arya says he is planning on taking the police officer exam in India but remains unsure of his future career.
Regardless of what career Arya pursues he holds a strong sense of justice and compassion.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Aishwarya Gupta
posted 4/28/07 @ 7:04 AM EST
Dear Agastya, hearty congratulations really you did a great job. That was a task of great courage about anti social elements who can in return harm you, but without being afraid you spoke against them and protested what they did. (Continued…)
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