UPDATE: 1/15/18 4:05 PM FROM PRESIDENT HOOVER
Dear College of Idaho Community,
Today shortly after 12:30 p.m., a College of Idaho student encountered two individuals described as either in their late teens or early twenties who pointed a gun at her and asked her to leave her vehicle. In response, she remained in her vehicle and fled the scene. At that point, the two individuals ran away from campus. Our student immediately called 911 and then contacted our campus safety department.
Messages were sent immediately from campus safety about the incident which I received while I was off campus. Our Vice President for Student Affairs Paul Bennion followed procedures put in place from our emergency plan, which include a lockdown and campus siren to initiate emergency procedures. Also, once alerted, our Communication Department announced immediately the lockdown on our web site and social media. Shortly thereafter, we released lockdown information to the print and television media. Our primary goal in all such situations is the safety of our students, faculty and staff.
The Caldwell Police were on campus immediately and conducted patrols off campus for the possible perpetrators. The police interviewed one of the witnesses as well as the victim. No suspects were found.
After two hours, with approval from the Caldwell Police Department, the lockdown was lifted. Counseling resources have been made available to our students, and the collaboration between our campus safety people and the Caldwell Police continues.
The College has been rehearsing and updating our emergency procedures for over a decade and I am pleased at the moment, or until I learn differently, how well the emergency procedures were followed and calm was restored on campus.
Incidentally, there was a civil rights forum scheduled this afternoon on campus regarding gun rights. Nothing we have learned shows any connection between the incident and the scheduled forum, and the incident took place on the opposite end of campus from where the forum was scheduled.
Classes were not being held due to the MLK holiday.
The College will provide updates periodically via the College’s website.
Interim President Bob Hoover
UPDATE: 1/15/18 2:30 PM
In collaboration with the Caldwell Police Department, the College of Idaho is lifting the lockdown.
UPDATE: 1/15/18 2:10 PM
The College of Idaho Campus is currently on lockdown. There are no injuries on campus, however, this is a precautionary safety measure. Two individuals were seen in a parking lot on campus and may have pointed a gun at another individual. The two suspects ran away on foot, but have not been located, so as a safety measure, the campus is on lockdown and we are asking for people not to come on campus until the suspects are located.
We will send updated information as it becomes available.
UPDATE: 1/15/18 1:55 PM
Out of an abundance of caution please shelter in place until further notice. Do not go outside unless absolutely necessary.
Campus Safety and Caldwell police continue to gather information and search for the suspects. While patrols continue the lockdown remains in effect and everyone should remain indoors.
If you have witness information about the incident please contact Caldwell Police by dialing 911.
Further information will be posted here, to the College's Facebook page and to the College's Twitter account.
UPDATE: 1/15/18 1:32 PM
Out of an abundance of caution please shelter in place until further notice. Do not go outside unless absolutely necessary.
At approximately 12:45 PM today two individuals were reported on or near campus at the JAAAC general parking lot brandishing weapons. Campus Safety has initiated lockdown procedures while Caldwell Police patrol the area and gather information.
If you have witness information about the incident please contact Caldwell Police by dialing 911.
Further information will be posted here, to the College's Facebook page and to the College's Twitter account.