Western Washington University students alerted to armed man near campus
Oct 9, 2012, 4:57 AM | Updated: 6:02 am
Western Washington University in Bellingham sent out an email alert late Monday to let students know an armed man was reported near campus. (Image courtesy Facebook, Western Washington University)
(Image courtesy Facebook, Western Washington University)
Western Washington University in Bellingham sent out an email alert late Monday to let students know an armed man was reported near campus.
Bellingham police assisted by university police cordoned off an area a few blocks from the campus where negotiators reportedly were talking with an armed, suicidal man in a vehicle.
“He made mention that he had a weapon,” said Bellingham Patrol Sergeant Claudia Murphy.
University police Chief Randy Stegmeier said he believed that a man in his 50s had called 911 to make a suicide threat.
Stegmeier says the email alert was sent because the area is close to campus and near a restaurant and shopping center that students frequent.
Stegmeier said city police had surrounded the man’s vehicle and negotiators were talking with him.
“He remained in his vehicle the entire time and indicated he only planned to harm himself,” said Murphy.
Murphy said it doesn’t appear the 56-year-old man had a weapon. He’s now in protective custody at a Bellingham hospital.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
