Police have solved the mystery that led to the evacuation of a University of Akron building Thursday night.
The Polsky Building in downtown Akron was cleared after 5 p.m. Thursday after a woman called to report seeing a man with a weapon.
Students were moved out, and the University of Akron and City of Akron police moved in to conduct a room-by-room search. But law enforcement came up empty-handed and reopened the building before 7 p.m.
The investigation continued Friday with new information and “our officers have concluded that the person spotted carrying a weapon was in fact a recruit studying in Summit College’s Police Academy,” a UA police announcement explained. “The student, returning from a training exercise, was carrying equipment used during the exercise. The equipment included a plastic weapon.”
“The student has apologized for the accidental oversight, and the commander of the academy has said he will review with all students the proper protocol for transporting training equipment on campus. The student will not be charged,” the AU police department said.
Separately, UA Police Chief Paul Callahan commended the student who called police with the tip.
“She did everything right,” Callahan said. “She noticed something unusual and she called us, and that’s what we want. Sometimes people are hesitant to call. Don’t be, because often the tips we receive help us make this campus even safer.”
Callahan encouraged everyone to save the university police number in their cell phones: 330-972-2911. Of course, in an emergency, call 911. You can also submit tips anonymously by texting 274637 (CRIMES) and beginning the message with the keyword ZIPTIP or submit it online.
Paula Schleis can be reached at 330-996-3741 or pschleis@thebeaconjournal.com. Follow her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/paulaschleis.
