Pierce College in Los Angeles was partially evacuated due to reports of a gunman on campus, according to the school’s Facebook page. A lockdown ensued for those remaining at the college while police searched the rest of the campus. At 12:37 p.m. local time, the lockdown was lifted. A suspect is reported to be in custody.
An officer suiting up with a vest and a riffle @roundupnews pic.twitter.com/rFAaRMAz2h
— Marc D (@Marc_D_Photog) May 30, 2014
Here’s what you need to know:
1. The Campus Was Closed for the Day
The college had told people not to come to the campus for the rest of the day on May 30. A student in the school, Daniel Villegas, told the college’s Roundup News reporter Caleb Johnson, “Makes you think of what happened in Santa Barbara.”
2. It Was Reported There Was a Suicidal Man on Campus
JUST IN: Pierce College campus closed due to police activity, campus evacuated "as a precaution."
— NBC Los Angeles (@NBCLA) May 30, 2014
The evacuation was called a “precaution” due to the police activity on campus. CBS Los Angeles reports that a suicidal man has been reported around the school. Cops were alerted when the man’s mother discovered a suicidal note. The suspect was later arrested by police in the Canoga Park neighborhood, close to the college campus. NBC Los Angeles reports the suspect was wearing a black shirt, black shorts and a black backpack with a skateboard.
3. No Shots Were Fired
Police still gathered around. @roundupnews pic.twitter.com/u4p9yufmCI
— Marc D (@Marc_D_Photog) April 25, 2014
There were no reported shots fired or any injuries. One student described the scene on Twitter as “there’s cops everywhere.”
4. The School is in Woodland Hills
Planning stages @roundupnews pic.twitter.com/2Q4dMg4uB0
— Marc D (@Marc_D_Photog) May 30, 2014
The school is located at 6201 Winnetka Avenue, in Woodland Hills, Los Angeles.
5. The College Has a Famed Performing Arts Program
Pierce College’s famed performing arts school. (Wikipedia)
The school is the alma-mater of actress Melanie Griffith and Shia LaBeuof.
