EAST LANSING (WWJ) -- A brief 'secure-in-place' alert for an area of Michigan State University's East Lansing campus has been lifted after a suspect was taken into custody.
Shortly before 1 p.m. Wednesday, Michigan State University Police & Public Safety issued a public alert regarding a person who was seen with a knife on or near the East Lansing campus.
Police Chief Chris Rozman said in an update later Wednesday afternoon the man had been in "an altercation" with employees at a business in downtown East Lansing and was seen with a knife. No details about the altercation were released and the business was not identified.
At some point witnesses told police he walked across Grand River Avenue and was seen on campus near Ramp 6, in the area of West Circle Drive.
MSU police officials said the suspect was described by witnesses as a tall, light-skinned Native American male, in his 30s, wearing a grayish colored hoodie, with a black mask, black pants and beige coat. They asked anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area to call police.
In an update issued just before 1:30 p.m., MSU police officials said the suspect was located downtown by East Lansing Police and was taken into custody, adding: "There is no longer a threat to campus. There is no need to shelter-in-place."
Rozman said police erred on the side of caution and MSU and East Lansing police officers quickly responded to the scene. The officers found the suspect at another downtown business and he was taken into custody without incident.
No injuries were reported.
The incident comes as students and others in the MSU community are on edge following a deadly mass shooting on campus last month.
"On the heels of the violence that we experienced last month, we know that this incident may have been impactful for many and the alerts that we sent may have evoked a range of emotions," Rozman said. "We validate that and acknowledge that, while wanting to provide an accurate update at the same time."
The MSU Police and Public Safety Twitter page shared a link to resources for students or other community members who may need support after Wednesday's events.
Stay with WWJ for updates as more information is released.
Related
