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.
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.: