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Student arrested after “suspicious package” left at Ball State student center

By Stephanie Wiechmann | Published on in Uncategorized

Ball State University says a student is under arrest after an incident that caused the evacuation of the L.A. Pittenger Student Center Wednesday afternoon.

In a written statement, Ball State Police told IPR that Jackson Hiatt, 21, was arrested and charged with intimidation.

Around 2 p.m., officers from a half-dozen police and emergency agencies from across the area responded to a report that a suspicious package had been dropped off at the parking services office. An emergency notification alert was sent to the Ball State community, and the all-clear was given about an hour later. James Duckham, Ball State’s police chief, said the contents of the package did not pose a safety threat.

“The building was evacuated in a safe and timely fashion, and our partner agencies were immediately on scene to assist with the situation,” Duckham said.  “Our thanks to our students, faculty and staff who calmly evacuated the student center, and to the additional officers who came to assist us.”

Ball State’s student center houses a variety of university offices, meeting rooms, and hotel rooms in addition to a food court and student recreation areas.