WESTFIELD–A campus-wide lockdown that was put in place Tuesday at Westfield State University was lifted a few hours later.
Westfield State University (WSU) went into a campus-wide lockdown Monday at 12:49 p.m, after a report of a suspicious male had come to the attention of campus police and a search for the suspect by Massachusetts State Police and WSU Police was conducted. However, the university later lifted the lockdown at 2:33 p.m. once it was determined that it was safe, according to an email from the university.
Officials reported during a press conference yesterday about the incident that a total of three people reported seeing a suspicious male on the campus yesterday, with one claim coming before the lockdown and two following.
During the press conference, Massachusetts State Police Maj. Michael Habel spoke of the reports.
“I believe the witness statements, there obviously was a subject,” Habel said. “Whether that subject’s a threat, that’s still yet to be determined,” adding that police were unable to make contact with the individual.
According to an emailed statement from the university on Monday:
“Westfield State University was put into full-campus lockdown at 12:49 p.m. today, Nov. 13, 2017 following a witness report of a suspicious male on campus. Massachusetts State Police worked with Westfield State University to then conduct a campus safety sweep.
According to the email from the university, the initial report, as well as two others, described an approximately 40-year-old white male that was acting suspiciously, stood at 5 feet 8 inches tall, 200 pounds, with short strawberry blonde hair with a receding hairline and a comb-over that was ” wearing all black, a bulky vest and carrying a black, bulging backpack.”
And earlier in the day, the Twitter account of the Massachusetts State Police said the following: “Troopers responding to Westfield State University to assist campus PD for report of suspicious man. Description is white male w/ trench coat, backpack and possibly body armor. Search underway. Info NOT confirmed as accurate yet. Campus currently locked down. Updates to come.”
The school was completely locked down for a period of time, with those on campus being asked to stay in place while those who may be commuting into the school to stay clear. Updates came from both the university and State Police on the situation through email and social media, among other avenues.
According to the statement released by the university, a hotline has been established to field calls of those who are either concerned or who may have information. The number is (413)579-3050.
Also, additional State Police are on campus for added safety, as well as increased campus patrols. The university also encouraged ” any concerned students to take advantage of our shuttle van service and public safety escorts available around-the-clock.” Students may call (413)572-5262 to request an escort.
