Princeton University had a scare today when it was reported that a male was spotted with a handgun near Dod Hall dormitory. An emergency was announed asking everyone to stay indoors. Later on, it was found that the male was carrying a dark green toy gun.

So, all clear Princeton!

At 11:25 a.m. Wednesday, June 3, Princeton University's Department of Public Safety issued an all clear, and has reported there was no gunman on campus.

Campus community members should resume normal activities. The investigation was conducted with Princeton Borough police assisted by Township police, and the Department of Public Safety has re-opened the campus.

At 10:36 a.m., a male with what appeared to be a handgun was reported near the vicinity of Dod Hall dormitory. There was no report of any threatening behavior or injuries. Public Safety responded immediately by issuing a campus alert instructing people to stay indoors, by patrolling and by limiting access to campus.

The first report and a second tip led Borough police to four juveniles who were taken into custody near campus. The questioning revealed that the suspected handgun was a dark green plastic toy that could be confused with an actual weapon. The toy was retrieved near the Wawa on University Place. 

The juveniles are not Princeton University students.

To maintain the safety and security of the campus, the Department of Public Safety reminds all community members to follow the crime prevention tips listed on its website, including:

• Report suspicious persons or activity immediately by calling 911.
• Always lock your door.
• Avoid leaving keys in door locks.
• Avoid leaving doors propped open.
• Always lock your window screens and windows.
• Use a cable lock to secure your laptop computer.
• Engrave valuables -- computers, stereos, cameras, etc. -- for identification.

Source: www.princeton.edu