Atlanta, Georgia, October 5, 2025
News Summary
Clark Atlanta University is investigating a serious incident of vandalism and burglary involving freshman Charles Collier, whose dorm room was found ransacked. Many personal belongings, including clothing and electronics, were stolen or damaged, raising concerns for Collier’s safety and well-being. His family has been in contact with university officials, who are committed to ensuring student safety. Despite the trauma, Collier has moved to a new room and plans to continue his education at the university.
Atlanta, Georgia – Clark Atlanta University is currently investigating an incident involving significant vandalism and burglary in the dorm room of freshman Charles Collier. Upon returning to his room last week after classes, Collier discovered the space in disarray, with many of his belongings reportedly missing or damaged, including clothing and electronics.
Collier, who is pursuing a degree in business, expressed his feelings of shock and anger regarding the state of his dorm. His mother, Lena Jones, was following the incident remotely via FaceTime and could see the pain in her son’s eyes as he navigated the aftermath. Notably, some of the items that were taken included personal effects like Collier’s underwear and other identifiable goods, leading Jones to believe that the incident may have been both targeted and personal.
Following the discovery of the vandalism, police advised Collier not to re-enter his dorm room. As a result, he spent approximately eight hours wandering the campus, during which time Jones expressed concern for her son’s safety. To address her worries, she met with university officials on Friday. This meeting provided her with some reassurance about the steps being taken in response to the incident. Collier felt a degree of relief after the university’s involvement and expressed that he remains cautious about his safety on campus, though he ultimately plans to continue his studies at Clark Atlanta University.
Clark Atlanta University released a formal statement about the incident, assuring the student body that they are taking the situation seriously and conducting a thorough investigation. The university emphasized its commitment to maintaining a safe and supportive environment for all students, which contributed to Jones feeling hopeful about the resolution of the matter. She stated that she felt reassured that “justice will be served.”
Despite the traumatic experience of having his belongings stolen and his sense of security undermined, Collier has moved to a new, single dorm room, which provides him with a greater sense of safety. He conveyed the importance of identifying the perpetrator to prevent similar occurrences in the future. Jones also reflected on the situation, characterizing it as a challenging lesson in resilience for her son, reminding him that material losses can be regained over time.
As the investigation continues, both Collier and Jones remain engaged with university officials, hopeful that swift action will be taken to resolve the matter and to support other students who might feel endangered following this unfortunate event.
Key Takeaways
- Clark Atlanta University is investigating a vandalism and burglary incident involving student Charles Collier.
- Collier’s belongings were found damaged and missing, including personal items.
- Police advised Collier to avoid re-entering his room, leading to safety concerns for him and his family.
- University officials have reassured the family and are dedicated to ensuring student safety.
- Collier will continue his studies, having been moved to a new room for increased safety.
FAQ Section
What happened to Charles Collier’s dorm room?
Clark Atlanta University freshman Charles Collier discovered his dorm room trashed upon returning last week. Many of Collier’s belongings were reported missing or damaged, including clothing and electronics.
What items were reported stolen from Collier’s dorm room?
Items that were reported stolen included Collier’s underwear and other personal effects.
What measures is Clark Atlanta University taking in response to the incident?
Clark Atlanta University released a statement addressing the incident, assuring students that it is taking the matter seriously and investigating thoroughly.
How is Collier feeling after the incident?
Collier stated he feels somewhat better but remains cautious about his safety on campus. He plans to continue his studies at Clark Atlanta.
What is Lena Jones’s perspective on the situation?
Jones remarked that the experience is a difficult lesson in resilience for her son, emphasizing that material losses can be recovered.
Chart of Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Incident Type | Vandalism and Burglary |
| Victim | Charles Collier, Clark Atlanta University freshman |
| Reported Losses | Clothing and Electronics |
| University Response | Investigating, ensuring safety |
| Current Living Situation | Moved to a new single dorm room |
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Additional Resources
- WSB TV: Clark Atlanta University Investigating Vandalism and Burglary
- AJC: Atlanta Business Owner Guilty of Fraud in FEMA Case
- Motor Biscuit: Apple AirTag Aids in Recovering $140,000 BMW
- NY Times: Alexis Crawford Case
- Rolling Out: New Deputy Chief at Clark Atlanta University
- Wikipedia: Clark Atlanta University
- Google Search: Clark Atlanta University Investigation
- Google Scholar: Clark Atlanta University Security
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Clark Atlanta University
- Google News: Clark Atlanta University Vandalism

Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.


