University News
Timely Warning Update
March 26, 2008
[Posted 4:30 p.m. 3/26/08]
MACOMB, IL -- Western Illinois University will return to its regular operating schedule, effective 8 a.m. Thursday, March 27; however, heightened police presence will remain on campus throughout the day.
After receiving notice from the Macomb Police Department that a letter containing the threat of shooting was found in a dropbox at an off-campus apartment complex approximately 8:30 a.m. today (March 26), the University issued an emergency alert via the Western Emergency Alert System and placed a Timely Warning, in accordance with the Clery Act, on the WIU homepage. In addition, officers from Western's Office of Public Safety, the Illinois State Police, McDonough County Sheriff's Department and the Macomb Police Department patrolled campus throughout the day.
Residence halls will remain locked and accessible only by residents with keys until further notice. In addition, several events scheduled to take place March 26 have been postponed. For a full listing, visit www.wiu.edu.
"We appreciate and understand the many calls and e-mails of concern and support that we have received today," President Al Goldfarb said. "We particularly appreciate the support we have received from local police and community agencies."
Individuals with information about the anonymous threat should contact the WIU Office of Public Safety (OPS) at 309/298-1949 or Macomb Area Crimestoppers at 309/836-3222. Crimestoppers callers remain anonymous. If the information provided leads to an arrest, the caller may be eligible for a cash reward up to $1,000.
In addition, President Goldfarb and his wife, Elaine, have donated an additional $1,000 to Crimestoppers if the information provided leads to an arrest, and the apartment complex's management company, Campus Apartments, has also donated $2,000 to Crimestoppers.
"The individual or individuals responsible for this threat will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," Goldfarb said. "Threats of any kind will not be tolerated."
Posted By: Darcie Shinberger (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing
Connect with us: