BPD explains Smallwood search, suspects foul play

The Bloomington Police Department is continuing to interview missing IU Student Lauren Spierer’s “associates and acquaintances,” Lt. Bill Parker said at a press conference at 11:30 a.m. He said the BPD is using polygraph tests.

“We believe that the chances are very great that there’s foul play,” Parker said.

Last night, police fulfilled a search warrant for the Smallwood apartment complex where Lauren lives. They broke down doors and took computer towers and CD cases from rooms residents described as mail and security rooms.

“We needed to obtain video footage,” Parker said. “We need to have it ourselves in evidence form.”

Parker said the BPD has wanted this video footage all along as evidence, but Smallwood administrators’ wanted the BPD to obtain an official search warrant before they handed over the video.

Police arrived at Smallwood at about 8 p.m. last night.

“At some point, we were denied access,” Parker said.

They used two battering rams to break open two doors in the lobby.

A statement from Smallwood said no one was present at the complex when police arrived, otherwise they would have unlocked the doors.

The following is a statement sent to the Indiana Daily Student from Smallwood:

“Smallwood Plaza has and will continue to fully support and cooperate with this police investigation, and respects the decision to obtain these hard drives as quickly as possible. At the time police attempted to serve a warrant, an on-site staff member was not available with a key to gain access to the needed area. The search for Lauren Spierer takes precedence and our thoughts and prayers go to her and her family.”

Parker said no one who works for Smallwood is a person of interest in the case. There is no indication that any video footage has been tampered with or deleted, he said.

Parker emphasized that there is nothing new on the footage, the BPD just wanted to acquire it as evidence.

After Parker’s statements, Lauren’s father Robert spoke. He echoed statements he made yesterday, thanking the community and friends for their support. He asked people to continue the search and not give up hope.

Charlene Spierer stood next to her husband wearing an red “IU Mom” t-shirt. Lauren’s older sister, Rebecca, stood next to her parents. A friend of the Spierer’s said Rebecca flew in yesterday.

The entire city of Bloomington has been searched, Parker said, but it’s important to keep searching.

No specific tips or information have directed BPD out of city limits, but they are starting to expand the search into surrounding areas, Parker said.

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and FBI are also providing resources, Parker said.