UTM staff member speaks out after shots fired on campus
MARTIN, Tenn. — An update in our continuing coverage of shots being fired on the University of Tennessee at Martin’s campus late Thursday night.
According to press release sent out by the Martin Police Department, around 8:30 p.m. Thursday night, UT Martin’s Department of Public Safety and Martin Police Department responded to 201 Hannings Lane at the University Village Phase 1 Building B in reference to shots having been fired outside of the building.
When speaking with Dr. Andy Lewter, the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, he says business is as usual Friday, and that they are providing counseling services, provided by the school, for all students.
“Well we’re very thankful for our students that they listened to the instructions we had for the shelter in place last night during the incident,” Lewter said. “This morning students are up, going to class. We are providing some counseling resources to the students. Anyone that would like to come in and speak to one of our counselors, that’s available.”
Going back to the press release sent out by the Martin Police Department, they said officers located several spent shell casings from a handgun in the stairwell on the third floor. They said that the building was cleared by officers and UTM issued a shelter in place warning in regards to the campus.
They went on to say that no injuries have been reported, and that the investigation continues.
Dr. Lewter says that there seems to be no threat to the students at this time and that they are going back to classes and the day should be normal.
“There’s no reason to believe there’s an ongoing threat to our students. It seems to be an isolated incident. We want students to feel comfortable on our campus and feel safe,” Lewter said.
This investigation is still ongoing. The press release says that both agencies are working diligently in unison on this case.
If you have any information on this incident, please contact UTM Department of Public Safety at (731) 881-7777 or the Martin Police Department at (731) 587-5355.
You can also contact Crime Stoppers at (731) 587-2611.
Find more local news here.
