Safety Alert: 12/13/2010

A Gambier resident who was arrested in connection with threats against Kenyon students has been released on bond from the Knox County Jail.

John R. Freeman, forty, was charged with inducing panic, a first-degree misdemeanor, on Saturday, December 11, after he was heard threatening to shoot Kenyon students and, in turn, he hoped to provoke sheriff's deputies to shoot him. Deputies seized an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle from Freeman's home, but no ammunition was found. Freeman was released on a $10,000 bond on Sunday. A court appearance is scheduled for Tuesday.

Freeman has been employed at the Village Market. Students are urged to be alert and aware of their circumstances and report any unusual activities to the Office of Campus Safety. Updates will be forthcoming as more information becomes available.

Prepared by the Office of Public Affairs
December 13, 2010

Safety Alert Update

To enhance the security of Kenyon students, the residence halls will be locked and will require K-Card access as of 1:00 p.m. on Monday, December 13. Residence halls will be locked until further notice.

The College today will also issue a no-trespass order to John R. Freeman, a Gambier resident who is accused of making threats against Kenyon students. Freeman was arrested and charged with inducing panic on Saturday. He posted bond and was released from the Knox County Jail on Sunday.

Check www.kenyon.edu/emergency for suggestions on how to cope with emergency situations at Kenyon.

Prepared by the Office of Public Affairs
December 13, 2010

Safety Alert Update

A photograph of John P. Freeman has been released to the news media by the Knox County Sheriff's Office and can be seen on the WBNS-TV in Columbus, Ohio Web site. Freeman was charged with inducing panic in connection with threats made against Kenyon students. Freeman was arrested on Saturday and released on bond on Sunday. Freeman has a court date for arraignment on Tuesday.

Prepared by the Office of Public Affairs
December 13, 2010

Safety Alert Update

Kenyon has taken additional security precautions in the wake of the arrest and release of a Gambier man who is charged with making threats against Kenyon students.

The Knox County Sheriff's Office has agreed to increase the number of patrols it makes in Gambier for the immediate future. In addition, the College is hiring special-duty deputies from the sheriff's office to support the Office of Campus Safety. And the Office of Campus Safety has increased its patrol personnel. The Ohio State Highway Patrol has also been asked to increase patrols in Gambier.

John R. Freeman, forty, was arrested on a charge of inducing panic on Saturday and was released on bond on Sunday. He drives a red Ford Crown Victoria (1992). Students are reminded to be vigilant and report suspicious activity to Campus Safety at 740-427-5000.

Students who do not live in residence halls controlled by the K-Card security system are reminded to lock doors and secure windows. Contact Campus Safety if you have a concern about your safety and if you feel the need for an escort.

Prepared by the Office of Public Affairs
December 13, 2010