One Dead in Apparent Suicide on Claremore Campus

UPDATED: 1 a.m., 12/6/14

An off-campus domestic disturbance spilled over on the Rogers State University campus on Friday evening when a man entered campus and fired multiple shots before turning the gun on himself.

No students or employees were injured during the incident, which occurred after business hours and classes were not being held.

The gunman, who was not affiliated with the university, died at the scene. The name of the deceased is not being released pending notification of family.

The incident took place between Preparatory Hall and the Fine Arts Annex. Police from multiple agencies responded to the incident in order to secure the campus and then sweep all of the campus buildings in a precautionary measure to ensure that this was an isolated incident.

The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation is handling the investigation.

RSU President Dr. Larry Rice said he was appreciative of the cooperative efforts from law enforcement agencies to respond to the situation.

“We are thankful for the response we received from area law enforcement agencies who assisted in securing campus and helping to protect our students,” Rice said. “We count our blessings that no one in the campus community was hurt in this incident, and our prayers go out to the families of those involved.”

The RSU counselor was on the scene working with several students who were immediately impacted by the incident. Anyone else from campus who was impacted by the incident and fell they need to talk to a counselor tonight are encouraged to call the 24-hour Grand Lake Mental Health Center Crisis Line at 1-800-722-3611. If a student wants to visit with a counselor in person about the incident may email RSU counselor Andrea Schroyer at [email protected].

UPDATED: 11 p.m.

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UPDATE: 9:15 p.m. – Shelter in place on Claremore campus has been lifted. Avoid areas near Prep Hall. Police are continuing to investigate. No new information.

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UPDATE: 8:45 p.m. – Claremore Police reported there were shots fired near Prep Hall earlier tonight. There is one reported fatality in what appears to be, at this time, an isolated incident. Campus has been secured. Police are currently sweeping campus buildings as a precautionary measure. All people on campus are asked to shelter in place until further notice.