To the Case Western Reserve University community,
I wanted to write this evening to first express my deepest gratitude to law enforcement officers—both Case Western Reserve University’s own and those outside the university—for protecting our campus this evening when two suspects fled onto our campus. These officers’ quick actions not only led to the apprehension of the suspects but also kept our community safe.
As this is now an active police investigation, the university cannot provide further details, but we did want to recap the university’s actions and ensure all members of our community have the resources they need.
Around 5:34 p.m., Case Western Reserve University’s Public Safety received reports of a potential shooting in the vicinity. One minute after they issued the university’s standard initial emergency message, Public Safety then sent a shelter in place warning for those on campus, urging people to seek shelter indoors and making all buildings only accessible via ID cards.
As soon as additional information became available, the university issued a follow-up message around 5:44 p.m., noting that it was a potential officer-involved shooting near Case Quad and Lot 1, continuing the shelter in place and urging people to avoid the area and seek shelter.
CWRU police issued an all clear at 6:11 p.m., once both of the suspects had been apprehended by law enforcement.
Again, I want to thank all of the law enforcement officers, including those from our own police department, who were involved in detaining the suspects and helping keep our campus safe. I am immensely grateful that no one in our community was hurt.
I also want to recognize what a frightening experience this was, whether you witnessed the police encounter, were somewhere else on campus or if you were away from Case Western Reserve, unsure of how to act. All instances can have deep effects on us as individuals and as a community, and I hope you each take care of yourselves—and each other.
Those in need of counseling support should use CWRU’s free services at any time. Students can reach University Counseling Services at 216.368.5872 or by scheduling an appointment online through MyHealthConnect, or access 24/7 online support through TimelyCare; faculty and staff counseling services are available through AllOne Health, the university’s Employee Assistance Provider, at 800.227.6007 or this website.
I would like to ask each of you to review emergency plans and procedures and watch our Run. Hide. Fight. video so you are prepared in case of an emergency. I also encourage you to store the CWRU Police emergency number—216.368.3333—in your phones, and download the Spartan Safe app to quickly report an emergency or request help.
Thank you all for your continued care and concern for our community.
Sincerely,
Eric W. Kaler
President