CSU issues shelter-in-place order after aggravated assault near Laurel Hall

Police at Colorado State University issued a shelter-in-place order Wednesday evening following an aggravated assault with a knife near Laurel Hall on the Oval, according to a release.

At 8:54 p.m. on Wednesday evening, university officials advised all students, staff, and faculty to remain indoors until further notice, citing an ongoing threat.

At 9:20 p.m., police lifted the shelter-in-place order, saying law enforcement from the CSU and Fort Collins Police Departments conducted a thorough search of the area and the suspect is believed to have fled campus. The suspect is still at-large.

The suspect is described as a white male in his 30s, wearing a black shirt and carrying a black backpack. The suspect is believed to still be on foot and may be on campus. CSU officials are urging the campus community to call 911 if they see any suspicious activity.

This is the second shelter-in-place order CSU issued on Wednesday, although the two events were unrelated, according to CSU officials.

Earlier, just before noon, the university lifted a shelter-in-place surrounding three residence halls—Alpine Hall, Durward Hall, and Corbett Hall—after a welfare check at Alpine Hall led to the discovery of a deceased individual.

According to CSU Police, officers responded to Alpine Hall on Wednesday morning for a welfare check and found an unresponsive person, prompting a request for immediate medical assistance. The cause of death is currently unknown, and the individual’s name has not been released.

CSU officials continue to ask the campus community to remain sheltered and avoid the area as authorities respond to the ongoing threat related to the aggravated assault.

CSU Police said they would provide updates via their social media channels.

This is a developing story.