San Marcos,
20
August
2014
|
11:01 AM
America/Los_Angeles

Lockdown Lifted at CSUSM

News Release by Margaret Chantung

Shortly before 9 a.m. California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) was placed on lockdown due to a report of a white male, wearing a black shirt and jeans, walking across campus carrying what appeared to be a rifle.

CSUSM’s emergency notification system was immediately engaged, notifying campus community members to lock down via alerts to computer desktops, campus phones, digital signs, and registered mobile phones. The messages were also communicated via text message, e-mail and the outdoor public address system. 

Classes were not in session however a new student orientation with about 400 incoming freshmen and transfer students was underway at the time. Students will move into on-campus housing beginning Friday, August 22. The fall semester starts Monday, August 25.

University police conducted safety sweeps of the campus aided by the San Diego County Sheriff.

At approximately 9:35 a.m. the lockdown was lifted and the campus was cleared to resume normal activities.  The suspect was identified as a member of the CSUSM staff and deemed to be unarmed and not a threat. It was his umbrella and carrying bag that had been misidentified as a weapon. He is not under arrest.