Bomb scare shuts down Cerritos College for day

Students evacuate the campus after officials gave the “all safe.” Photo by Alex Dominguez

NORWALK - Cerritos College closed early on Tuesday after a possible threat to campus forced students, staff, and faculty to shelter in place for several hours.

The threat came shortly before 12:30 p.m., with Los Angeles County Sheriff’s and campus personnel responding.

College President Jose Fierro said that the suspect walked into a classroom, claiming to be a terrorist and that he had a bomb.

Students, sheltered in the Physical Science and Tech Building, watch as Sheriff’s arrive on scene. Photo by Alex Dominguez

The college tweeted that “this is not a drill.” A later update pinpointed the threat to a drop-off area near the Administration Building. Those on campus and in the immediate area were urged to avoid the building, as well as lots 3 and 4, all of which were evacuated.

Other areas remained on lockdown status until police gave the okay to evacuate.

Shortly after 2 pm, Sheriff’s tweeted that the situation was “all safe.”

One suspect was taken into custody; however, his identity has not yet been revealed. It is unknown if he is a student at the school.

All remaining classes for the day were cancelled, but resumed the following day. Counseling was offered on Wednesday and Thursday for those who needed it.