A report of a man waving a gun at Grays Harbor College just after noon Wednesday brought a response of 10 Aberdeen Police officers, but the subject was not immediately found.

Commander Dale Green told the Daily World that as of 12:45 p.m. the subject had not been found.

Green said the initial report was of a man yelling and waving a handgun around the 1900 building, the auto/welding building at the northeast corner of campus. Later, the man was reportedly seen at the yellow gate at Lewis Street to the east, just off campus. The person who witnessed the man contacted a school employee who called the police.

The campus issued an alert shortly after noon warning anyone on campus to shelter in place. Minutes later the situation was declared clear and anyone on campus was instructed to leave, and any on-campus instruction activities were canceled for the remainder of the day.

Anyone with information on the incident should contact the Aberdeen Police Department.

The college issued a statement saying that a college employee encountered the man in the lower area of the campus.

College President Jim Minkler ordered the shut down of the campus at about 12:15 p.m.

“Our top priority is the health and welfare of our students and employees. By closing campus and sending everyone home, we may lose a day of instruction for some students, but it’s worth it to ensure everyone’s safety,” Minkler said.

The college is expected to resume normal operations – those being followed during the COVID-19 pandemic – on Thursday.