SMU Was on Lockdown This Morning
The university campus was “locked down briefly,” according to a press release, “in response to a potential threat.”
Here’s the rest:
After learning at approximately 8:35 a.m. about a potentially armed man in the vicinity near Greenville and SMU Boulevard, the SMU campus began emergency actions. As the suspect’s location was being tracked via cellphone signal, SMU began locking exterior doors to campus facilities and notifying building managers of the possible threat.
At 9:06 a.m., the campus locked down. Students, faculty and staff were notified by alerts via text, phone, e-mail, social media and website. The lockdown ended at 9:16 a.m. after Dallas Police arrested the man on Mockingbird Lane east of US 75 (Central Expressway). The campus was informed to return to normal activities.
There is no indication that the suspect ever entered the SMU campus, west of Central Expressway. The university acted out of an abundance of caution based on information provided regarding the possible proximity of the suspect to campus.
Classes have ended for the semester but final exams are in progress. SMU is making arrangements for students whose exams were interrupted to have them rescheduled. SMU Counseling services also are available. SMU appreciates the fast action of Dallas Police in apprehending the suspect.
Update: Because of its proximity to SMU, McCulloch Intermediate School/Highland Park Middle School were also briefly on lockdown, with all of HPISD on high alert. Fortunately, the crisis was quickly averted, and classes have continued accordingly.
Aren’t we all potentially armed?