Spellman Hall Evacuated Due to Likely Prank

E-Mail from Public Affairs:

At approximately 7:20 p.m. this evening, some students in Spellman Hall noticed a suspicious smell in the first floor stairwell. It occasioned students’ coughing and gagging as they inhaled the fumes in the stairwell. The students immediately reported the smell to the Public Safety Associate stationed at the desk. She, in turn, contacted the Department of Public Safety (DPS) and was told to pull the fire alarm to evacuate the building.

DPS commanders and officers reported to the scene immediately and within minutes the DC Fire Department (DCFD) was also on the scene with battalion commanders, fire and other emergency personnel. Staff members from CUA’s Office of Housing and Residential Life were also present to account for evacuated student residents from Spellman. In addition, the President; Luke Alar, Director of Environmental Safety; and the Chaplain came to Spellman. DCFD entered the building with equipment and determined that there was nothing threatening to the health and safety of students.

The fumes disappeared quickly. Luke Alar, DPS Officer Lt. Carr, Father O’Connell and other DPS and housing staff walked the five stories of the building’s stairwell and through the corridors. By 8:00 p.m., the situation was deemed by DCFD officials as “under control” and not dangerous. As a precaution, students were asked to wait outside for a period of time until a final clearance was given. DCFD and DPS believe the fumes were the result of a “prank” and indicated that they were caused by a small canister of pepper spray or mace opened in the stairwell, judging from the odor. No students or staff were hurt in the incident and no one required any medical treatment.

The university urges students living in the South Campus area, particularly residents of Spellman, to contact their parents and convey this information so that they will not worry.

Office of Public Affair

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For more information, read The Tower this Friday, August 29.

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