Introduction
On the morning of October 31, 2019, St. Louis Community College’s Forest Park campus was placed on lockdown due to an active shooter situation. The college immediately sent out a text alert to students and faculty advising them to stay in their classrooms and lock their doors. The campus was closed to the public, and police were called to the scene to handle the situation.
What Happened?
The lockdown at STLCC Forest Park was initiated after a man fired a gun outside the campus’ Student Center. The man then fled into the building, prompting the campus-wide lockdown. According to witnesses, the man was seen carrying a rifle.
Police Response
Multiple law enforcement agencies responded to the scene, including the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the Missouri Highway Patrol. The police immediately secured the area and began searching the campus for the suspect. Police officers were seen carrying rifles and wearing tactical gear as they swept the building.
Evacuation
After several hours, the police gave the all-clear and the lockdown was lifted. However, students and faculty were advised to evacuate the campus as a precautionary measure. The college provided buses to transport students to a nearby location, where they could be picked up by family members or friends.
Suspect Apprehended
The suspect, identified as 34-year-old Jevon L. Mallory, was eventually apprehended by police. He was charged with unlawful use of a weapon, resisting arrest, and possession of a controlled substance. Mallory was not a student or employee of the college.
Aftermath
The incident at STLCC Forest Park was a terrifying experience for students and faculty. The college provided counseling services to those who were affected by the lockdown. The college also reviewed its emergency procedures and made changes to improve its response to future incidents.
Conclusion
The STLCC Forest Park lockdown was a reminder of the importance of being prepared for emergency situations. The college’s quick response and cooperation with law enforcement helped ensure the safety of its students and faculty. While incidents like this are rare, it is important to have a plan in place to handle them if they do occur.