Bomb Threat Puts UL Lafayette On Lockdown

5:30 p.m. UL Lafayette officials say the school is back to normal now after the investigation into a suspicious package found that the device was not dangerous. Investigators from Louisiana State Police, Lafayette Police, the FBI and other are investigating to find out who called the threat into a local TV station, and how the package got the university campus.

Louisiana State Police Troop I Spokesman Master Trooper Brooks David says they will not stop investigating until they have found the responsible party or parties.

2:30 p.m. UL Lafayette update: KATC is reporting the first package Louisiana State Police found was not an explosive device, but it was made to look like one. Police are also confirming there is no second package. No word yet on roadway openings, so expect delays in that area.

The investigation began early this morning when an irate man called KATC claiming to have placed bombs on campus. Students were evacuated and the campus is shut down for today. The FBI is announcing that the number 1-800-CALL FBI has been established for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for the threat.

12 p.m. The Advertiser reports the Greater Lafayette Chamber of Commerce and Caldwell Bank have been evacuated, although no private businesses or residences have been affected.

KATC received the threatening call at 5:31 a.m. from a seemingly "incoherent" man who may have been drunk, The Advertiser reports. He claimed to have placed devices all around campus.

University Police's "Pepper," a bomb-sniffing dog, is sweeping the entire campus, including properties extending to the University Commons.

Major roadways remain closed around campus, including Johnston Street, St. Mary Boulevard, South College Road, West Pinhook Road, University Avenue, as well as roadways associated with the Oil Center. We're getting reports from listeners that the closures are backing up traffic at the Evangeline Thruway, as well.

9 a.m. Lafayette Police along with Louisiana State Police are reminding the public to avoid the area around the UL Lafayette campus and Girard Park today while they continue to investigate the situation. KPEL's Nathan Pike reports from the scene that Haz-Mat will "render safe" the device/suspicious package at some point this morning.

From UL:

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette has received a bomb threat. The University has activated a campus wide evacuation until the situation has been cleared. If you are in campus housing please remain in your residence. If you have commuted into campus please leave in a safe manner. Updates will follow.

From State Police:

A suspicious package was reported near Girard Park. State Police have subsequently closed down roads near Girard Park and UL and have evacuated campus.

The university is now evacuating orientation students staying in Baker Hall to nearby hotels.

All events at UL scheduled today have been cancelled.