Bomb threat determined unfounded, issue remains
Erica Tuggle & Ryan Tuggle
Issue date: 10/29/09 Section: News
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According to the UTC alert system, at approximately 2:35 p.m. with an unspecified threat was called in that led to the evacuation of the EMCS building.
UTC alert e-mails and text messages were sent out through the system as the situation developed.
"University and community officials responded to an anonymous threat to the campus," Chuck Cantrell, the assistant vice chancellor of university relations, said.
"Threats are put through a matrix of criteria to determine credibility and response," he said.
At approximately 4:41 p.m., the evacuation of the EMCS was expanded to include the UC, Brock, Holt and ` halls.
Messages of these evacuations were also sent via e-mail and the UTC alert texting system.
The threat was determined to be unfounded and all buildings were reopened with normal operations resuming at approximately 6:20 p.m.
According to the official police report, the Chattanooga Police Department Bomb Squad searched and cleared all buildings that had been threatened.
"The situation seems a little crazy," Caleb Carver, a Nashville freshman, said.
"Who would call in a bomb threat on the college?" he asked.
Heather Smith, a freshman from Lawrenceburg, Tenn., said she thinks the idea of a bomb threat is scary.
Weslea Miniat, a freshman from Nashville, said, "I'm confused as to why they picked EMCS."
Cantrell said, "The Chattanooga Fire Department, Chattanooga Police Department, UTC Campus Police and other agencies are conducting a criminal investigation and following a series of leads."
Cristan Castner, a freshman from Clarksville, Tenn., said, "Is it some dumb kid who thinks he is going to get popular?"
