Update from Mansfield Police and Mansfield University Police

by John Maslar

Mansfield, PA (01/21/2020) — UPDATE

This News Release is to update the Mansfield University campus, and the local community, that no information currently exists to substantiate a threat to the students, staff, or faculty of Mansfield University, as well as the residents of Mansfield Borough.

The Mansfield Borough Police Department did respond to an incident last evening, 01/20/20, at approximately 2200 hours, at the Sheetz located on SR6. This incident is described as a minor disturbance, and at the conclusion of this incident officers on scene did hear sounds indicative of gunshots in the Smythe Park area of Mansfield Borough. Based on these sounds, Mansfield Borough Police requested assistance from area law enforcement to respond, and to assist in determining if a gun related incident had occurred.

Currently, no information has been obtained by the Mansfield Borough Police Department, or the Mansfield University Police Department, that lends credibility to a gun related incident occurring within Mansfield Borough this date. Information obtained through various sources support this position, and unofficial sources have unfortunately created a misunderstanding as to the actual events.

The Mansfield Borough Police Department desires to clarify with the public that the photograph released via social media is not correct, and due to this photograph being released an assumption was made which is totally inaccurate with the facts obtained in the investigation.

Please be advised that no credible information was obtained to substantiate a lock down of the Mansfield University. Information obtained through scanner reports was addressed by Law Enforcement personnel, and no credible information was obtained that indicated a threat or concern existed at the University or to the Public at large.

It is the position of the Mansfield Borough Police Department, and the Mansfield University Police Department, that safety of the public and campus is the paramount concern of both Departments. No information currently exists to substantiate a risk to residents of Mansfield Borough, or to students, staff, or faculty of Mansfield University. If information should arise corroborating a concern information will immediately be released at that time to alert the Public of the fact.