Oct 19, 2023

Suspect arrested for alleged threat at Garden City Community College

Posted Oct 19, 2023 4:45 PM
Garden City Community College-courtesy photo
Garden City Community College-courtesy photo

FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a threat on the campus at Garden City Community College have a suspect in custody.

At 8a.m. Thursday, the Garden City Community College Police Department was alerted to a possible armed intruder in the Saffell Library, 801 North Campus Drive in Garden City, according to a media release from police.

Following the college’s established active intruder procedures, the campus was placed on lockdown. USD 457 also placed all of their schools into a lockout status. No one allowed in or out of the buildings, but classes continued as normal inside.

Community College employees and students followed procedures to shelter in place andor evacuate campus to off-site emergency reunification points.

Police officers and sheriff's deputies cleared the campus to ensure the safety of students and employees. No threats to the students, staff, or campus were discovered. However,  officers did arrest a suspect on requested charges of aggravated criminal threat. There were no injuries during the event.

After a thorough investigation by law enforcement, the college was released from its lockdown and the college subsequently dismissed for the day. USD 457 also lifted its lockdown. 

Counseling services are available for those in need inside the Spruce Street Technical Center on north end of the Welding facility on campus.These services will be available through 5 pm today and made available in subsequent days, according to the college.

Normal business operations will resume on campus at 8a.m. Friday.