FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 4/14/09

(DALLAS) — On Tues., April 14, at 12:13 p.m., the Dallas County Community College District's central dispatch office received an off-campus telephone call. The caller reported that an armed student allegedly planned to harm to an individual on campus at Eastfield College. The college was placed on an intruder lockdown.

Eastfield College police and crisis response team members swept each building on campus, and students were released, classroom by classroom, as the sweep progressed. The Mesquite Police Department helped advise the college on the buildings sweep.

The lockdown was lifted and the building-by-building sweep ended in mid-afternoon; nothing was found and no one was harmed. The campus re-opened at 5 p.m. for evening classes.

Dr. Wright Lassiter Jr., DCCCD's chancellor, commented, “A series of events unfolded at Eastfield College in the afternoon that illustrates the need to be prepared for situations that all colleges and universities face today.”

He continued, “Whenever we perceive a threat to our students and employees, quick action is required. I wish to thank all Eastfield College students, faculty and staff for their cooperation and understanding.

“I also extend appreciation to Eastfield College police officers and crisis response team members for ensuring that all buildings were searched and that the campus is safe. Such cooperation is critical during emergency situations, as well as the need to have preparedness plans in place.”


Contact: Ann Hatch, (214) 378-1910 or ahatch@dcccd.edu