BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Indiana University Bloomington says the person they believe caused a 'shelter in place' alert to be sent out Tuesday evening may have been trying to conceal a marijuana plant, not a gun.
The university sent the alert out around 7 p.m. after someone reported they had seen a man with a gun near Union Street Apartments. The person told police that they had seen a man trying to hide a gun behind his back.
Officers were not able to locate the suspect initially but did see someone matching the description on video surveillance, which is why they issued the alert. That alert was later lifted and students were asked to be vigilant while officers investigated the situation.
IU Bloomington Update: Investigation is on-going. Threat is no longer imminent. Resume normal routine but remain vigilant. See emergency.iu.
— Indiana University (@IUBloomington) December 21, 2016
During their investigation officers identified a non-student matching the description who entered Pine Hall around the time of the complaint.
That person cooperated with officers and told them that he had been trying to hide a marijuana cigarette, not a gun from the complainant. Officers searched the suspect and found no weapon or marijuana during their search.
No criminal charges are being sought.
IU Bloomington Alert! A subject with a gun has been reported on campus. Take safe shelter. Lock door. Call 911 with info. Follow official instruction.
December 20, 2016, 7:32 PM EST
IU Bloomington Alert! A subject with a gun has been reported on the Bloomington campus near USA Apartments. If you are on campus, trust your instincts and take safe shelter in the nearest available room. Lock the door if possible. Remain in place until the police or a campus administrator known to you gives the FINAL UPDATE. Call 9 1 1 if you have information about the armed person. If you are not on campus, stay away. Follow instructions from university officials or local authorities. For available information and updates on this incident visit emergency.iu.edu
IU Bloomington Update: Investigation is on-going. Threat is no longer imminent. Resume normal routine but remain vigilant. See emergency.iu.edu for updates.
December 20, 2016, 8:08 PM EST
IU Bloomington Update: Investigation is on-going. Threat is no longer imminent. Resume normal routine but remain vigilant. Call 9 1 1 with additional information. See emergency.iu.edu for updates.
