PULLMAN, Wash. – Three canine units found no explosives in their search today (Feb. 2) of the Streit-Perham resident hall complex on the Washington State University campus.
University police evacuated students from the two buildings at about 10 a.m. today (Feb. 2) to secure the facilities because of a bomb threat directed at Perham Hall. The threat identified Monday, Feb. 3, as the target date.
Explosive identification experts from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms joined canine units from the ATF, Spokane County and the Washington State Patrol to search the buildings.
“This evening we will be escorting residents in small groups into the buildings to pick up some clothing and other essentials from their rooms,” WSU Police Chief Steve Hansen said. “Because we are very concerned about our students’ safety, we will not reopen the residence hall complex until Tuesday morning.”
University police will continue to guard the perimeter of the buildings until they reopen.
Anyone who has information about the threat is asked to contact the WSU police at (509) 335-4711. Chief Hansen said the threat is a felony punishable by a fine of up to $10,000
and five years in prison. Investigators from WSU and Pullman Police Departments are working on the case
WSU Residence Life staff members have been helping connect parents with students living in the two buildings. Students who live in the complex, but are out of the area today (Feb. 2), are asked to check in by calling the above number, or report to the Student Recreation Center. A Web site was established at www.livingat.wsu.edu for students to obtain necessary information.
Residence Life provided breakfast for the students soon after they were evacuated. Staff members from Student Affairs, Counseling Services and Residence Life are working with the individual needs of each student.
WSU students across the campus have been offering help today. Residence Hall Association and Pullman businesses have supplied food and other snacks to the Streit-Perham residents. Pullman and Moscow residents, too, have offered to open their homes to the students.
Residence Life officials said 412 men and women are living in the complex that offers single- and double-room occupancy for the spring 2003 semester.
Traffic has been diverted around the Stadium Way/Colorado Street intersection, a main thoroughfare on the campus’ northeast side. WSU employees who usually use this intersection should use alternative routes to campus.
Streit-Perham opened in fall 1962. Originally a women’s residence hall, the two buildings became co-ed in the early 1970s. The living areas of Perham and Streit are separate, but they share a central building that includes the A.E. McCartan Suite, which contains the offices of Housing Services, Residence Life, Dining Services, and Housing and Dining Administrative Services.
