Weapons report at MRU resolved: Calgary police

A shelter-in-place issued Monday afternoon at Calgary's Mount Royal University has been resolved, and there is no risk to the public, police say.

Police say one person is in custody after shelter-in-place order issued for Mount Royal University and the surrounding area on Monday.

Officers were called to the university at 4825 Mount Royal Gate S.W. at around 2:45 p.m. Monday after receiving reports of an “individual carrying a large knife,” police said.

“Police are looking for an individual matching the following description: Caucasian male, mid-20s, wearing a black long-sleeve vest with a green Z on the back, dark jeans and glasses and black shoes,” MRU AVP and chief safety, risk and employee wellness officer Will Fossen wrote in an email to students and staff.

Police say people were asked to avoid the area and residents were asked to shelter in place as the situation unfolded.

Just before 5 p.m., police shared an update saying the issue had been resolved and officers had determined there was no threat to public safety.

“While in the process of clearing the scene, officers received information that the individual was a staff member working as a chef for the university,” police said Monday evening.

“After verifying this information, the shelter in place was lifted.”

Police said a man was taken into custody.

There were no injuries.

“This incident highlights how seriously we treat reports of potential threats,” said Insp. Darren Smith.

“Although we now know the public was not in danger, our officers are well-trained for these situations.”

Though nobody was injured, MRU Students’ Association President Tala Abu Hayyaneh urged students to reach out if they needed extra support after the incident.

“We ask students that if they are facing interruptions or any impact to their studies that they should reach out to their students association, reach out to their professors,” she said, adding that students experiencing distress can reach out to wellness services on campus.