University News
10/25/10: Tanner Hall: All-Clear [Posted 8:15 p.m.]
October 25, 2010
Tanner Hall: All-Clear [Posted 8:15 p.m.]
MACOMB, IL – Western Illinois University students residing in Tanner Hall may return to the residence hall. Specially-trained canines and their handlers from the Adams County Sheriff's Department and Rock Island County Sheriff's Department have completed a thorough search of Tanner Hall and determined that the building may re-open. No evidence of explosive devices was found during the search.
Earlier this evening, the Office of Public Safety arrested Cameron McKoy, 18, of 911 Tanner Hall, on charges of transmitting a threat of destruction to a school. McKoy is lodged in the McDonough County Jail.
The threat was called into Tanner Hall during the afternoon hours. The hall clerk notified the Office of Public Safety at approximately 3:30 p.m., and the building was immediately evacuated. Western's Emergency Alert System was activated to notify faculty, staff and students of the threat.
"We would like to express our appreciation to our students for their patience and understanding as law enforcement officials investigated this incident," said Provost Jack Thomas.
"We would also like to thank the Office of Public Safety police officers for their swift action and to the law enforcement and emergency agencies who assisted with the investigation," added Vice President for Administrative Services Jackie Thompson.
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Bomb Threat: Suspect Arrested [Posted 6:50 p.m.]
MACOMB, IL -- An arrest has been made in connection with the bomb threat called into Tanner Hall on the Western Illinois University campus today (Oct. 25).
The Office of Public Safety has arrested Cameron McKoy, 18, of 911 Tanner Hall, on charges of transmitting a threat of destruction to a school, which is a Class 4 felony. McKoy is lodged in the McDonough County Jail.
The threat was called into Tanner Hall during the afternoon hours. The hall clerk notified the Office of Public Safety at approximately 3:30 p.m., and the building was immediately evacuated. Western's Emergency Alert System was activated to notify faculty, staff and students of the threat.
While an arrest has been made, Tanner Hall remains closed until specially-trained canines and their handlers from the Adams County Sheriff's Department and Rock Island County Sheriff's Department complete a thorough search. Once the search is complete, students will be allowed to return to Tanner Hall.
More information will be posted as it becomes available.
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Bomb Threat Update [Posted 5:50 p.m.]
MACOMB, IL -- The investigation is continuing into a bomb threat made this afternoon at Western Illinois University. The threat, which was made by an unknown male subject, was called into Tanner Hall. The hall clerk notified the Office of Public Safety at approximately 3:30 p.m., and the building was immediately evacuated. Western's Emergency Alert System was activated to notify faculty, staff and students of the threat.
While at this time the Office of Public Safety does not believe it is a valid threat, the building remains closed. Specially-trained canines from the Adams County Sheriff's Department and Rock Island County Sheriff's Department are en route to the Macomb campus. Officers have conducted a cursory check of Tanner Hall and will continue to monitor the situation.
Once the all-clear is given, students will be allowed to return to Tanner. Approximately 800 freshmen reside in Tanner Hall.
Officials said the incident could be subject to federal prosecution as well as state charges. If a Western student is charged as a result of the investigation, the student would be subject to University judicial charges and possible expulsion.
Classes and events are being held as scheduled this evening. WIU Vice President for Administrative Services Jackie Thompson noted that students, faculty and staff should remain aware of their surroundings.
More information will be posted as it becomes available.
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Bomb Threat in Tanner Hall
(4:55 p.m.) MACOMB, IL -- Western Illinois University's Office of Public Safety is reporting that a bomb threat was called into Tanner Hall on the WIU-Macomb campus earlier this afternoon. Tanner Hall has been evacuated, according to Director of Public Safety Robert Fitzgerald.
Classes will be held as scheduled this evening. WIU Vice President of Administrative Services Jackie Thompson noted that students, faculty and staff should remain aware of their surroundings.
Fitzgerald noted that are no further details at this point and more information will be forthcoming as it becomes available. Fitzgerald noted the incident is under investigation.
Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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