RALEIGH, N.C. – Raleigh police arrested Ronald Hyman on Friday for allegedly stealing copper from heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) units on Saint Augustine’s University campus.
Officers responded around 8:26 a.m. to 1315 Oakwood Ave. following reports of larceny involving air conditioner parts. While police did not specify which building was targeted, a university track coach and security worker, Sandy Chapman, described seeing several men dismantling air conditioning units and loading parts onto a cart.
Chapman confronted the men and warned them she would call the police. The suspects then jumped a fence and fled the scene.
Sky 5 news footage showed a campus building with broken windows, underscoring the ongoing security challenges. Last month, campus security reported an arson incident at an abandoned building on the Raleigh-based campus. On June 28, firefighters responded to a structure fire at 1341 Sarah Hunter Lane, which was quickly extinguished with no injuries reported. Arson investigators have taken over that case. Authorities have not linked Hyman to this fire.
These incidents come during a difficult period for Saint Augustine’s University, which recently faced accreditation challenges and financial hardships. An arbitration panel upheld the decision to remove the university from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) membership, though the university is pursuing legal action to maintain accreditation.
Chapman described the financial situation as “quite depressing,” noting staff layoffs and resignations, but affirmed her commitment to stay until the university’s future is secure.
Saint Augustine’s University remains accredited and operational for the Fall 2025 semester while the legal process continues.
