http://www.csudh.edu/univadv/Newsroo...DH08_ABS12.htm
February 21, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
California State University, Dominguez Hills Back Open
After Report of Gunman on Campus
(Carson, CA) —California State University, Dominguez Hills was on lockdown early Thursday morning, Feb. 21, after reports of an armed suspect on campus were called in to University Police. Within an hour, police determined the threat was a false alarm.
At 8:26 a.m. University Police received a call of a male in a dark sweatshirt carrying an assault rifle. University Police officers on scene responded immediately and Los Angeles County Sheriff Carson Station was called in for backup with ground and air support.
Campus was closed, classes canceled, and attempts were made to notify staff, faculty and students via e-mail and on the university web site and through verbal notifications advising those already on campus to remain in their rooms with the doors locked until further notice. Those not on campus were told to stay home.
At 9:03 a.m., a student ROTC cadet and his adviser arrived at the incident command post set up just off campus and told officers there that he had been walking through campus with his training rifle while not in uniform and believed he was the person witnesses reported seeing. A witness was able to positively identified the cadet. Police then determined everything was safe and clear. The ROTC cadet was detained for questioning and fully cooperated with police. He has since been released.
ROTC’s policy is to require students to keep training rifles in a duffle bag while in transit. That policy was not adhered to in this case and officials will be reviewing ways to ensure that it is followed in the future.
University officials announced shortly afterward that campus was reopening and classes could resume as scheduled.
“ All threats are taken seriously and dealt with in the appropriate manner,” said Chief Susan Sloan. “Thankfully, this threat was determined to be a false alarm. As a result of this incident we can take a close look at our response and ways to improve it.”
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About CSU Dominguez Hills -- California State University, Dominguez Hills is a highly diverse, urban university located in the South Bay, primarily serving the Los Angeles metropolitan area. The university prides itself on its outstanding faculty and friendly, student-centered environment. Known for excellence in teacher education, nursing, psychology, business administration, and digital media arts, new degree programs include computer science, criminal justice, recreation and leisure studies, social work, and communication disorders. On campus is the Home Depot Center, a multi-purpose sports complex that hosts world-class soccer, tennis, track and field, lacrosse, and cycling.
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