Suspicious Object Prompts Lock Down At OU

Tuesday, April 17th 2007, 10:21 am

By: News On 6

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) -- Buildings at the University of Oklahoma were locked down as a security precaution Tuesday morning after police were notified of a person carrying a suspicious object. OU spokeswoman Catherine Bishop says no one with a weapon was found and it's believed the person was carrying a yoga mat that was mistaken for a weapon.

While authorities investigated the reports, OU President David Boren sent an e-mail telling students, faculty and staff to stay in their buildings or dorms until further notice.

And an e-mail from Provost Nancy Mergler ordered deans, directors and chairs at the school to to keep all individuals within their current buildings until further notice.

Student Scooby Axson says he was in Gaylord Hall about 9:40 a.m. when a faculty member ran toward the doors of the building and told everyone inside not to leave.

Axson says the lockdown was lifted at about 10:05 a.m.