CHENEY, Wash. — UPDATE as of October 23: Eastern Washington University police say they have arrested a man in connection with this incident. Police say the suspect has been booked into Spokane County Jail, in addition to being trespassed from EWU properties.
It's not unusual for people gathering signatures for a petition to visit a college campus, but a man who visited Eastern Washington University (EWU) for that very reason is now the subject of a campus police investigation.
EWU officials and police are actively investigating a "disturbing incident" that occurred Thursday afternoon. According to police, a man was gathering signatures on the EWU campus when an intense argument between him and a group of students broke out. The argument escalated to the point where threats were made, and now, police are investigating the incident and looking for the suspect.
According to university police, a man was seen gathering signatures in front of the Pence Union Building (PUB) just before 2 p.m. Thursday. A short time later, witnesses said the man started arguing with a group of students and began using racial slurs. The man allegedly started threatening to fight the students and , eventually, said he would come back to campus with his friends and shoot them.
Witnesses last saw the man leaving campus and heading toward the transit station near North 9th and Elm streets.
Police don't know who the man is but said they are working to identify him. He is described as a white, heavy set man with long reddish-blonde hair and a red beard. He was reportedly wearing a Gonzaga shirt that may have been blue, red shorts and tennis shoes.
Anyone who saw the incident or has information about the suspect is asked to contact EWU Police at (509) 359-7676. Calls can also be made to the anonymous tip line at (509) 359-4286.
EWU officials released a statement on the incident, stating in part:
This type of behavior towards our students and campus community is unacceptable. While outside visitors to our public spaces have the right to exercise their freedom of speech, the university does not tolerate verbal or physical threats–whether explicit or implied.
The university said more updates will be shared as the investigation continues.
DOWNLOAD THE KREM SMARTPHONE APP
DOWNLOAD FOR IPHONE HERE | DOWNLOAD FOR ANDROID HERE
HOW TO ADD THE KREM+ APP TO YOUR STREAMING DEVICE
ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching for KREM in the Channel Store.
Fire TV: Search for "KREM" to find the free app to add to your account. Another option for Fire TV is to have the app delivered directly to your Fire TV through Amazon.
Apple TV: Search "Spokane News from KREM" in the Apple store or follow this link.
To report a typo or grammatical error, please email webspokane@krem.com.