NewsChannel 5.com - Nashville, Tennessee - Western Kentucky Campus Taken Off Lockdown

Western Kentucky Campus Taken Off Lockdown

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. - Western Kentucky University has been taken off lockdown after reports of shots fired on campus.

According to students on campus and the WKUHerald.com, the lockdown had been canceled and classes were canceled.
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University spokesman Bob Skipper told WKUHerald.com that no one was shot or arrested following the original report that shots were fired, but Skipper did say that someone was injured in a fight. That person was taken away in an ambulance.

WKU's official press release:

The South Campus building on Nashville Road was evacuated earlier following reports that one or more persons were observed in the building with weapons. WKU Police, Bowling Green Police and State Police have conducted an extensive search of the building and the premises. At this time, the police have been unable to find any witnesses or evidence to support earlier reports that weapons were present.

Following this, WKU PD received an unconfirmed report of shots fired in the vicinity of Pearce Ford Tower on the WKU main campus.

Police have confirmed that there was a physical altercation not involving weapons between individuals that occurred in or near PFT, but the police are interviewing witnesses on the scene to determine if weapons were or are present or if shots were fired.

At this time, the campus emergency warning system has been activated. Students and employees have been advised to remain indoors, in secure areas, until an "all clear" is issued.

We will provide additional information as it becomes available.

Barry Pruitt, police spokesman for Bowling Green Police Department, said WKU was first put on lockdown after BGPD received reports that shots were fired at Pearce Ford Tower, which is a dorm that is considered part of WKU's main campus. At the same time, no officials have actually confirmed that shots were fired.

University spokesman Bob Skipper said the incident occurred inside the school's south campus. Skipper also said the building was evacuated and police searched the area.

According to Todd Holder with Kentucky State Police, the Carroll Knicely Center on WKU's south campus was searched twice.

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University lawyer Deborah Wilkins said there were no reports of injuries at this time.

The university's south campus is also home to Bowling Green Community College.

The Bowling Green Daily News reported that elementary, junior high and high schools in the area have been locked down in response to the reports.

Stay with NewsChannel 5 for more information as it becomes available.