Posted p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2015
Investigation into Tuesday's incident has concluded. The university appreciates everyone’s support, patience and understanding as we worked to ensure the safety of the campus and the surrounding neighborhood.
CAMPUS ALERT FOLLOW-UP: Message from Chief McCullough - email sent Wed, Dec. 9, 2:45 p.m.
University Police spoke to two individuals Wednesday, December 9, regarding the luggage left near a campus gazebo Tuesday, December 8. Investigators determined the individuals had too much baggage for a bus trip and consolidated their luggage. They had no malicious intent and, after consultation with the District Attorney’s Office, investigators determined that no charges will be filed.
All of the luggage was accounted for Tuesday evening and deemed to be no threat to campus prior to clearing the incident.
University Police encourages students, faculty, staff, and the campus community to sign up for Code Red to receive campus and city alerts through text and email. Code Red also offers a mobile app. Police are aware that several people who had signed up for Code Red did not receive the alerts. Those individuals should verify their contact information, cell phone provider, and ensure Code Red emails are not inadvertently sent to their junk email folder.
The university appreciates everyone’s support, patience and understanding as we worked to ensure the safety of the campus and the surrounding neighborhood.
ALL CLEAR UPDATE: Message from Chief McCullough - email sent 7:45 p.m. University Police has cleared the suspicious package incident that was communicated on December 8. Students and staff affected by the evacuation of Angell, Drake, Hutch, Wentz, and Whitney may return to their residence halls. The Eagle Recreation Center and Childcare Center will resume normal operation Wednesday, December 9. Classes were not disrupted and will continue, as scheduled, on Wednesday. Two suspicious packages were identified as abandoned luggage. The contents of the luggage were deemed harmless. The incident remains under investigation and there is no threat to campus. Thank you for your patience and cooperation as UWL personnel worked with multiple agencies to ensure the incident was contained. Additional information will be forthcoming about the incident and how it was managed to ensure the UWL community has an opportunity to learn more and provide valuable feedback about the experience.
UPDATE: Message from Chief McCullough - email sent 4:30 p.m. University Police has extended the areas of evacuation as the suspicious package is being investigated. The Angell, Drake, Hutch and Wentz Residence Halls are being temporarily evacuated as well as the Eagle Recreation Center, Child Care Center and Whitney Dining Center. All residents, staff and children are secure. Residence Hall students are being redirected for food service this evening and are being notified via all-hall emails. We will continue to provide updates on the web, Code Red and email. Individuals with information regarding suspicious packages should contact University Police at 789-9000. This plan accommodates recommended protective distances, and other buildings are not impacted. At this time, scheduled classes and activities in other buildings will continue as planned.
UPDATE: Message from Dr. Nick in Res Life - email sent 4 p.m. Due to the situation on campus, Whitney Center will be closed for dinner tonight. Cartwright is open for dinner in Valhalla. Angell, Hutchison, Wentz, and Drake Halls have been evacuated and the REC and Whitney Centers are closed. University Police have asked that you avoid this area. Dr. Nick Nicklaus Director of Residence Life and Graduate Faculty
Original post from Chief of police, Scott McCullough - posted 2:45 p.m. The University Police have blocked off the area of campus located between 15th Street and Pine near Angell Hall and Whitney Center. A suspicious package has been identified and we are taking precautionary measures to secure the area until the package can be managed. At this point in time we have cleared certain areas of campus located near the area including areas of Angell, Drake, and Hutch Halls as well as areas of Whitney Center. We ask the community to stay clear of this area until we have an all clear message. Mitchell Hall has been established as the campus shelter for those in need. We ask for your patience and cooperation as we manage this incident. If anyone has seen a suspicious package on campus please contact University Police at 608.789.9999. Chief Scott McCullough
ALL CLEAR UPDATE: Message from Chief McCullough - email sent 7:45 p.m. University Police has cleared the suspicious package incident that was communicated on December 8. Students and staff affected by the evacuation of Angell, Drake, Hutch, Wentz, and Whitney may return to their residence halls. The Eagle Recreation Center and Childcare Center will resume normal operation Wednesday, December 9. Classes were not disrupted and will continue, as scheduled, on Wednesday. Two suspicious packages were identified as abandoned luggage. The contents of the luggage were deemed harmless. The incident remains under investigation and there is no threat to campus. Thank you for your patience and cooperation as UWL personnel worked with multiple agencies to ensure the incident was contained. Additional information will be forthcoming about the incident and how it was managed to ensure the UWL community has an opportunity to learn more and provide valuable feedback about the experience.
UPDATE: Message from Chief McCullough - email sent 4:30 p.m. University Police has extended the areas of evacuation as the suspicious package is being investigated. The Angell, Drake, Hutch and Wentz Residence Halls are being temporarily evacuated as well as the Eagle Recreation Center, Child Care Center and Whitney Dining Center. All residents, staff and children are secure. Residence Hall students are being redirected for food service this evening and are being notified via all-hall emails. We will continue to provide updates on the web, Code Red and email. Individuals with information regarding suspicious packages should contact University Police at 789-9000. This plan accommodates recommended protective distances, and other buildings are not impacted. At this time, scheduled classes and activities in other buildings will continue as planned.
UPDATE: Message from Dr. Nick in Res Life - email sent 4 p.m. Due to the situation on campus, Whitney Center will be closed for dinner tonight. Cartwright is open for dinner in Valhalla. Angell, Hutchison, Wentz, and Drake Halls have been evacuated and the REC and Whitney Centers are closed. University Police have asked that you avoid this area. Dr. Nick Nicklaus Director of Residence Life and Graduate Faculty
Original post from Chief of police, Scott McCullough - posted 2:45 p.m. The University Police have blocked off the area of campus located between 15th Street and Pine near Angell Hall and Whitney Center. A suspicious package has been identified and we are taking precautionary measures to secure the area until the package can be managed. At this point in time we have cleared certain areas of campus located near the area including areas of Angell, Drake, and Hutch Halls as well as areas of Whitney Center. We ask the community to stay clear of this area until we have an all clear message. Mitchell Hall has been established as the campus shelter for those in need. We ask for your patience and cooperation as we manage this incident. If anyone has seen a suspicious package on campus please contact University Police at 608.789.9999. Chief Scott McCullough