Iowa City police say ‘no threats were made’ in incident prompting Hawk Alert

IOWA CITY — Despite a University of Iowa warning Thursday morning that a man was seen on campus “making threats with a knife,” Iowa City police later reported, “No injuries were reported and no threats were made.”

A report came in to UI and Iowa City police at 9:31 a.m. Thursday about a man carrying a knife in the area of North Dubuque and Jefferson streets, according to Iowa City police spokesman Lee Hermiston.

“Police searched the area, but the suspect had fled the scene,” he said. “At this time, there is no known threat associated with this incident. Community members are encouraged to contact local law enforcement should they see something that appears dangerous or out of place.”

In a Hawk Alert distributed to faculty, staff, and students earlier in the day, police reported the male wearing jeans and a dark jacket and was last seen near Van Allen Hall at 30 N Dubuque St.

Members of the public had been advised to avoid the area for a period of time.

Despite the initial report of a threat, Hermiston said Iowa City officers confirmed, “no threats were made.”

Vanessa Miller covers higher education for The Gazette.

Comments: (319) 339-3158; vanessa.miller@thegazette.com