No explosives found after bomb threat at Purdue’s Schleman Hall
September 23, 2015
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue University’s Schleman Hall was evacuated on Wednesday (Sept. 23) for approximately two hours after a bomb threat was reported. No explosives were found.
Purdue’s police department received a call at about 11:10 a.m. from a building occupant who reported that someone had called saying a bomb was in the building and everyone should leave immediately. The building alarm was sounded, and responders from Purdue’s police and fire departments entered to ensure all occupants were safely evacuated. No streets or other facilities were closed due to the threat.
The building was reopened shortly before 1:10 p.m. after a search found no explosive devices. Purdue police and fire personnel, including Purdue police K-9 unit Macho, a Dutch shepherd trained in explosives detection, and handler officer Gabe Argerbright, conducted the search.
“While there was no explosive device found, it’s still a felony to make a threat of this nature,” Purdue police chief John Cox said. “Our investigation to gather information on whoever might be responsible for making this threat is ongoing.”
Anyone with information regarding the threat should contact Purdue police at 765-494-8221. The WeTip anonymous hotline, which is used by all Greater Lafayette law enforcement agencies, also is available at 1-800-78CRIME (1-800-782-7463).
Writer: Jim Bush, 765-494-2077, jsbush@purdue.edu
Source: John Cox, 765-494-8221, jkcox@purdue.edu
