BUFFALO, N.Y. -- The man wanted on charges of stalking, trespassing and attempted burglary after an incident on the Buffalo State College campus has a lengthy criminal history.
University Police say Willie Caldwell, Jr., 51, approached a female student inside the campus library late Tuesday night, and it wasn't their first encounter.
"There was a prior interaction with him and the victim about a week before," Chief Peter Carey said.
After the harassing incident, Carey said the female student picked up her belongings and walked back to her off-campus apartment. Around 1 a.m. Wednesday, Caldwell is accused of trying to break into that student's apartment.
"That is alarming," Chief Carey said, adding that Caldwell ran off from the scene after the woman yelled for help.
Once arrested, Caldwell will face charges of trespassing, stalking and attempted burglary, Carey said.
2 On Your Side learned Caldwell has a lengthy criminal history. He spent 7 years in state prison after being convicted on 2 separate burglary charges. There's currently a warrant out for his arrest in Jamestown, where he's accused of exposing his private parts in a public place.
"He has an extensive criminal history," Chief Carey said. "We've had dealings with him in the past, as well as other colleges and universities in Western New York."
His crimes aren't limited to our region. Caldwell pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges in Erie, Pa., after he performed a sex act on himself inside the library at Gannon University. He's now banned from going anywhere on that college's campus.
Chief Carey said the incident at Buffalo State College should serve as a reminder to all students that there are resources available to keep them safe.
"We offer many things to ensure the safety and be proactive here at Buffalo State," Chief Carey said. "We have an escort van service ... We have an app you can download for free to see exactly where the escort van is so you don't have to wait outside by yourself or in inclement weather."
Chief Carey also noted that University Police are always patrolling the campus, and the school has student assistants in the library and other locations to help walk other students home or to the other side of campus.
"We want to make sure our students are aware of it and take advantage of it," he said.
More information on Caldwell is available by viewing the BOLO (be on the lookout) alert issued by University Police.
Anyone who knows where Caldwell may be is asked to call University Police at (716) 878-6333. The confidential tip-line is (716) 878-3166. You can also call 911.