MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – UPDATE 6:20 p.m.: The Marquette Police Department (MPD) has cleared the scene at the Marquette-Alger RESA building on E Ohio Street in Marquette.
According to MPD, the incident is still under investigation, but it appeared to be a “technical error” in the building’s alarm system. Officers say they were aware that the situation was a false alarm immediately, but the police response was out of an abundance of caution. Law enforcement remained on the scene for over two hours to check every room in the building.
The MPD says at this time there is no threat to the community.
Marquette-Alger RESA’s Director of Human Resources & Communications Monica Nordeen released the following statement about the incident:
This afternoon at approximately 4:00 p.m., an intruder alarm sounded at Marquette-Alger RESA. Law enforcement was immediately contacted, while staff and visitors at the building followed the lockdown procedure that has been developed for situations such as these. Law enforcement responded quickly, and performed a thorough sweep of the building according to protocol. All staff and visitors were evacuated safely, and no viable threat was identified. The reason for the alarm is still being investigated.
At Marquette-Alger RESA, the safety of our students and staff is our top priority. We take all threats seriously and investigate them thoroughly. When a threat is reported, law enforcement is contacted immediately to assist in determining if the threat is credible and to assess the risk to our students and staff. If the threat is deemed to be credible, appropriate steps are taken to protect our students and staff.
Marquette-Alger RESA is committed to providing a safe and secure learning environment. Students, parents, and staff are encouraged to report any suspicious activity to RESA or law enforcement officials immediately.
We would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to regional law enforcement and first responders for their partnership in keeping our schools and communities safe.
UPDATE 5:45 p.m.: A WZMQ reporter on the scene says police in tactical gear have told media they are allowed on the sidewalk near the building, but no other information about the incident was given.
Our reporter says he has seen a few civilians exit the building unharmed, as well as a few police entering the building. He says in general, “there are no overly-concerned looks on peoples’ faces.” It appeared police were spending time looking at one specific vehicle in the parking lot, but it’s unclear why.
ORIGINAL STORY 4:38 p.m. 2/20/24:
Multiple police agencies are at the Marquette-Alger RESA building in Marquette, located at 321 E. Ohio St.
It’s unclear what the situation is at this time, but a WZMQ reporter on the scene says “guns are drawn” and was told to remain in his vehicle.
Our reporter says it appeared police were searching vehicles in the parking lot with a police K-9.
WZMQ has reached out to Marquette Police and Michigan State Police but has not gotten any details about the incident.
This is a developing story. WZMQ will provide updates.
