Police execute search warrant

Bloomington Police executed a search warrant at Smallwood Plaza, missing IU student Lauren Spierer's apartment complex, Tuesday at approximately 8:30 p.m.

Police stood inside the main doors to Smallwood Plaza and then used two battering rams to break open two doors immediately adjacent to the lobby as dozens of Smallwood residents and people walking by watched in shock.

According to several residents of Smallwood standing nearby, the two rooms that the police broke into were the security room and the mail room.

Once the doors had been broken open, police officers immediately began snapping pictures of the interior of the rooms.

According to a statement issued by Smallwood Plaza representative, Chad Mertz, “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.”

Shortly after that, the parents of missing IU student Lauren Spierer, Robert and Charlene Spierer, arrived at Smallwood with Rabbi Sue Silberberg of the IU Hillel center and were escorted into the building past the two rooms.

Shortly after that, Lauren’s parents exited the building. Police officers then removed three computer towers and four CD cases from the rooms and put them in a waiting vehicle.

Lt. Scott Oldham of the Bloomington Police Department confirmed that BPD was serving a search warrant for the two rooms, but would not comment on what the police were searching for.

BPD will discuss the warrant Wednesday morning during a press conference at the Bloomington Police Station.

Keep checking idsnews.com for more updates on this developing story.

— Zach Ammerman