Man arrested for sleeping in Popejoy

Most people who visit Popejoy Hall see a performance, attend a fine arts class or visit the museum.

One man makes his visits an overnight stay. Arnold Woods, a local homeless man, was arrested by UNMPD in early February for criminal trespassing after being warned numerous times that he could not sleep at Popejoy Hall.

According to the UNMPD police report, Woods told officers he lived in Popejoy after officers asked him what he was doing in the building so late.
This was not the first instance of criminal trespass for Woods.

When UNMPD Officer Richard Wills arrived on the scene, he immediately recognized Woods as the same person caught in Popejoy Hall after hours on numerous occasions, according to the report.

After every instance, UNMPD officers warned Woods he was not allowed to sleep in Popejoy. 
Woods was utilizing the amenities of Popejoy Hall in his after-hour visits.

UNMPD Spokesman Robert Haarhues said Woods was cooking meals in the kitchen located in the building.

Haarhues estimated that Woods’ overnight stays could have been over a period of six months, but it is unknown as to how long Woods was sleeping in Popejoy.
According to the report, Woods was arrested, handcuffed and transported to the Metropolitan Detention Center for incarceration.

There have been no other police reports of anyone else sleeping in the Popejoy Hall since Woods was arrested, but people sleep there on a nightly basis, said Glinda Wyndorf, assistant to the Dean of Fine Arts.

“We have regulars. They’re staying overnight and leaving early,” said Wyndorf. “If they’re not doing any harm then it’s no problem by me.”
Wyndorf said she doesn’t recall sleepers having caused problems and believes the issue is a campuswide problem.

“Our building is warm, but any building without swipe-card access has the same issues,” she said.