Northern Oklahoma College campuses at Tonkawa, Enid and Stillwater were closed at 11 a.m. Monday, March 1, after a security threat. They were all re-opened at 5 p.m.
Northern Oklahoma College confirmed that a few employees received an email of a potential threat shortly before noon today. The email was not campus specific, so the emergency response team decided to enact their emergency protocols at all sites and evacuate all the locations and notify law enforcement officials.
Tonkawa Police Department and other law enforcement officials from Kay County Sheriff’s Office, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, FBI and the OSBI have completed the search of all the buildings on the Tonkawa campus and no explosives or weapons were found. Northern Oklahoma College with locations in Tonkawa, Enid and Stillwater was cleared to open at 5 p.m. for students, employees and visitors, and evening classes will be held. Athletic events have been postponed this evening.
NOC President Evans stated, “We want to thank all the law enforcement agencies, led by the Tonkawa Police Department, for responding to the incident today. We live in a time where threats like these must be taken seriously. NOC is committed to protecting the lives and safety of our students, employees, and campus communities.”
Tonkawa Chief of Police Nick Payne announced late Monday that the Northern Oklahoma College - Tonkawa Campus has been given the ALL CLEAR to return to normal campus activities. Law Enforcement Agencies: Tonkawa Police Department, Kay County Sheriff Office, Blackwell Police Department, 8th District Major Crimes Unit, OSBI, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Oklahoma City Police Department and OHP Bomb Squad spent the afternoon clearing the campus after threats of a “bomb” and “active shooter” were received by college personnel. NOC had cancelled classes and evacuated the campus after the threat was received. Enid and Stillwater NOC Campuses took similar precautions. The Law Enforcement officials worked together to ensure the safety of faculty, students, and school buildings. After an extensive search, no devices or signs of intended violence were found on the campus.
The Tonkawa Public Schools were placed on lockdown as a precaution. Officers were placed on post at the schools for added security measures.
The investigation is ongoing as to who sent the threat. The Federal Bureau of Investigation was contacted to assist with the developing investigation.
The Tonkawa Police Department wishes to thank all of the agencies and NOC staff for their outstanding cooperation!
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