Carl Pelton

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Update: 3:25 – The father of a Wells College student who was reportedly armed, “very dangerous,” and headed to campus has been taken into custody, according to an email released by officials.

Carl Pelton was taken into custody in Maryland, college officials said.

The following email was released by Ann Rollo, vice president for communications and college relations:

Dear students, faculty and staff,

We have just learned that Mr. Pelton is in custody in Maryland. Students free to leave their rooms and resume normal activity.  Faculty and staff may return to campus and offices as you wish; we expect that campus will open as usual tomorrow morning.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Earlier —

AURORA, N.Y. — Wells College in Aurora is closed for the day after receiving reports that an armed and dangerous man is likely on the way to the college.

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College officials said Carl Pelton, the father of a Wells student, is likely on the way to the college Thursday afternoon.

Carl Pelton

Ann Rollo, vice president for communications and college relations, said people were informed of the closure via an emergency alert system and email. She said officials were also able to walk through the college and ensure no people were left behind in any classroom or office.

“We actually walked from building to building and from office to office,” she said.

The New York State Police and other agencies are currently managing the situation.

“It’s a precaution,” she said, but one that officials are taking seriously for the safety of everyone at the college and in the community.

Rollo said the college released the following email, which has the most up-to-date information available as of about 2 p.m.:

Dear faculty, staff and students:
We have been informed by law enforcement that there is a person who is likely very dangerous who may be heading toward campus. 
The facts are as follows: the person in question is Carl Pelton, the father of a Wells student. His picture is attached. He has left Baltimore, MD, and is traveling north in a 2008 Subaru with MD plates FPD 2418, presumably toward Aurora. He should be considered armed and very dangerous. Law enforcement in MD, PA and NY are actively pursuing him and an arrest warrant has been issued.
The safety of our community is our paramount concert. Our immediate campus response is as follows: the student has been secured, and all classes, practices and activities are cancelled beginning immediately. Students must return to their rooms and remain in place until further notice. If the situation persists, we will make arrangements for meals and other services. Commuter students must leave campus. All faculty and non-essential staff must leave campus and remain off campus for the remainder of the day. In concert with law enforcement, campus safety is securing the entrances to campus.
If you see Mr. Pelton or have any knowledge of his whereabouts, immediately remove yourself from danger and call 911. 
Cabinet members will remain on campus and are available should you have any concerns. Please contact Dean Michael at 617.835.0308 or me (Rollo) at 315.730.1270.
Please remain calm and consider your personal safety in all decisions. 
We will update the campus community via email at 3:00 this afternoon and thereafter as we have information.
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Jolene Almendarez

Jolene Almendarez is Managing Editor at The Ithaca Voice. She can be reached at jalmendarez@ithacavoice.com; you can learn more about her at the links in the top right of this box.