ALLENTOWN, Pa. - Muhlenberg College and several surrounding Allentown schools issued a shelter-in-place order on Monday afternoon.
At around 12:15 pm, officers from the Allentown Police were dispatched to Muhlenberg College for a report of an armed person called in by an anonymous complainant.
In an abundance of caution, the college and local schools were placed on lockdown.
The Allentown police department and Muhlenberg College secured the area and determined that the call was a hoax.
While police personnel were on the scene investigating the false report of an armed person at Muhlenberg College, officers were dispatched for a report of an armed robbery at Wells Fargo bank located in the 100 Block of College Drive, according to a press release.
When officers arrived on the scene, they determined there was an armed robbery that just occurred at the bank and secured the scene.
The investigations into these incidents are both active and ongoing.
Muhlenberg College Campus Safety & Police posted the following update on their Facebook page:
Incident Follow- Up, May 6, 2024
Campus Community,
On Monday, May 6, at approximately 12:20 p.m. Lehigh County Communications Center (LCCC) received two calls, from separate sources, of an armed individual outside the College’s “main building.” LCCC notified Campus Police, a shelter in place order was issued, and card access was turned off to the entire campus. The Allentown Police Department (APD) responded to assist Campus Police. Officers swept Haas, declared it clear, then swept the rest of campus.
At 1:50 p.m. Campus Police issued an all clear order. APD and Campus Safety continue their investigation of the incident.
It was determined that the call was most likely a hoax and may have been a diversion related to an armed robbery occurring at another location.
The Office of the Dean of Students will hold space for students seeking support following this incident. Please see the recent email from the Dean of Students.
Thank you for your cooperation and your care for one another. It is essential that in situations like these we exercise the utmost caution.
The Allentown Police Department asks anyone with information to call Detectives at 610-437-7721 or the Police Desk at 610-437-7753 (ext 1)
Additionally, anonymous text tips can be sent via the Tip 411 App available on the Allentown Police Facebook page or via the Allentown Police Department website.
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