Police remove computers from security rooms at missing IU student's apartment building

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (WISH) - Bloomington police used a battering ram Tuesday night to break into a room located in the apartment building where Lauren Spierer lived.

Spierer, a 20-year-old Indiana University sophomore, has been missing since about 4:30 a.m. Wednesday. Her disappearance has sparked a massive search and social media effort to find her.

Police were serving a search warrant at Smallwood Plaza apartments. Once inside, authorities removed three computers from the apartment complex’s security room, but would not say why. Police could not get someone from the apartment complex to let them into the room.

A spokesperson with the public relations firm working with Smallwood Plaza explained the issues police ran into Tuesday night.

“Smallwood Plaza has and will continue to fully support and cooperate with this police investigation, and respects the decision to obtain these hard drives as quickly as possible,” the statement said. “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.”

The statement goes on to say that the search for Spierer takes precedence and “our thoughts and prayers go to her and her family.”

More information is expected to be released on the search at a news conference Wednesday morning.

Spierer's parents were at the building briefly, but left without commenting. Police earlier in the day had confirmed they suspect foul play in the 20-year-old's disappearance. Her parents made an emotional plea Tuesday for continued help and information.