4:30 p.m. update
See here for a video update.
3:47 p.m. update
University Communications released this statement:
“At approximately 12:45 p.m., University Police were alerted by the Simpson County Sheriff’s Office that an individual wanted on felony charges was on The University of Southern Mississippi’s Hattiesburg campus. Officers located an armed individual in the parking garage, not affiliated with the University, who was threatening self-harm. Following negotiations, University officers, along with members of the Hattiesburg Police Department, Forrest County Sheriff’s Office, Lamar County Sheriff’s Office, and the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, successfully resolved the situation without incident.
“I commend the work of all agencies and the cooperation of the University community members in responding to today’s incident,” said Rusty Keyes, Assistant Vice President for Public Safety/Chief of Police at USM. “The safety of our students is our main priority, and the timely management of today’s events demonstrates our conscious efforts to protect the health and well-being of our University community. Chief Hardy Sims and the Hattiesburg Police Department were instrumental in the successful resolution of today’s incident.”
The individual is now in custody of the University Police Department and will be transported to the Simpson County Sheriff’s Office later today.”
3:07 p.m. update
According to University Police, the parking garage is now open.
2:31 p.m. update
The latest update from University Police reads: “Law Enforcement Officers have safely resolved the incident on the Hattiesburg campus. The parking garage will remain closed until further notice.”
2:12 p.m. update
A heavy police presence remains on the scene. Vehicles are not being allowed to enter or exit the garage.
1:52 p.m. update
Numerous law enforcement agencies are on the scene.
Original update
University of Southern Mississippi police officers are currently responding to an “incident” in the parking garage on the Hattiesburg campus.
The public was told to avoid the area.
An Eagle Alert, the campus warning system, was sent out at 1:08 p.m. Friday.
This story will be updated.
