Staff

-Alpine, Tx.

SUL ROSS LOCKDOWN ENDS; NO SUSPECT FOUND

More than 60 law enforcement officers and other emergency personnel responded to an incident that resulted in a facilities lockdown and cancellation of classes at Sul Ross State University Wednesday (Aug. 7).

Shortly after 8 a.m., a Sul Ross staff member reported seeing an older man, allegedly carrying a rifle, walk into the Briscoe Administration Building (BAB).

Following an initial search of BAB to locate the suspect, local law enforcement agencies were notified. Shortly thereafter, Lobo Lookout Alerts were sent to students, faculty and staff via text messages and email, notifying them to lock office and classroom doors and to stay inside. Classes were cancelled and campuses entrances were later blocked. 

A suspect was initially identified, then quickly ruled out. Six teams of law enforcement officers conducted room-by-room searches in all campus buildings. Hourly updates were sent to the campus community and the news media. 

The suspect was not found. Shortly after noon, an all-clear was given, ending the lockdown. Classes remained cancelled and offices were closed for the remainder of the day.

Sul Ross President Ricardo Maestas praised the response to a potential high-level emergency situation.

“Our University Department of Public Safety and our local law enforcement have been monitoring this situation closely and responded immediately to the call,” he said. “We are grateful for the quick response from our UDPS, Brewster County Sheriff’s Office, Alpine Police Department, Texas Rangers, Texas Department of Public Safety, Game Wardens, Border Patrol Officers and Local and Non-Local Federal Agents.  

“Thankfully, this situation did not escalate and our law enforcement officers proved once again to be quick to respond to threats and secured our campus,” Maestas said.