“Intoxicated” off-duty police officer charged with breaking in Dawes House at Gallaudet

The Washington Post reported on Tuesday that a Prince George’s County police officer was charged with breaking into the Dawes House building at Gallaudet University on Sunday, November 24.

The Post said according to charing documents, P.G. Officer Robert Grimes broke a first-floor window during early morning hours and destroyed property inside including a plastic globe, flags, and a door.

The Post said someone who patrolled the campus heard the glass break shortly before 3 a.m. and found Grimes without a shirt on and injures to his wrist, shoulder, and stomach. He said he was “sorry” several times and put his hands behind his back. He was highly intoxicated and he said he didn’t know what happened or how he got into Dawes House. A bloody shirt that is believed to be his was found in a second-floor bathroom.

Grimes was charged with second-degree burglary and destruction of property. He has pleaded not guilty and was released. His next court appearance is on December 30.

The P.G. County Police’s internal affairs division has started an investigation.

Grimes worked for the police department for three years and was off-duty at the time of the alleged break-in. WTOP News reported that Grimes is now suspended.

Dawes House is one of the oldest buildings on campus. It was designed by deaf architect Olof Hanson and built in 1895. It is located close to a Gallaudet Department of Public Safety kiosk on the campus’ main entrance.

The Daily Moth reached out to Gallaudet for official comment, and they said they have no comment because this is a pending law enforcement matter.

Dawes House was originally a dormitory for boys attending Kendall School and today it is used for several academic offices. It is the home of Gallaudet’s Office of Research Support and International Affairs.

Report from WaPo: https://wapo.st/2Rs1JAo

https://wtop.com/.../an-off-duty-police-officer-is.../

https://wtop.com/.../an-off-duty-police-officer-is.../

https://www.gallaudet.edu/.../history-and.../olof-hanson