Photo: mbbirdy / E+ / Getty Images
A threat directed at Cayuga County Community College in Auburn was determined to be unfounded after a thorough investigation by the Auburn Police Department. The threat, which originated from a conversation between an Auburn resident and someone in Rochester, led to the closure of the college and nearby schools on Wednesday (March 4).
According to Auburn Police Chief Matthew Androsko, the investigation revealed that the Auburn resident was in crisis and mistakenly believed a third-party threat existed. Authorities confirmed that the alleged third party did not exist, and there was no credible threat to the college or any schools in the city.
The Auburn Enlarged City School District, which closed its schools as a precaution due to the proximity of the junior high school to the college, will resume normal operations on Thursday (March 5). In a statement, the district expressed gratitude to law enforcement for their swift response and thorough investigation.
Cayuga Community College also closed its Auburn and Fulton campuses on Wednesday but will reopen on Thursday. The college's president, Brian Durant, emphasized that student and staff safety is a top priority.
The Auburn Police Department continues to monitor the situation and encourages anyone with information to contact their Detective Bureau.