Riverland College Lockdown Linked to Threatening Phone Call

Austin, MN (KROC-AM News) - The Austin Police Department has released additional information about the lockdown at Riverland College on Thursday morning.

An earlier statement from Police Chief David McKichan indicated that while the department was aware of reports of the lockdown, “we are not aware of any active, ongoing, or past physical issues at that property this morning.” The lockdown at Riverland was described as precautionary in nature and was lifted later in the day.

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Phone Call Triggered Precautionary Lockdown

Chief McKichan provided an update on the situation Thursday afternoon. He stated, “It is our understanding that the incident at Riverland was triggered by a concerning phone call that alleged someone would try to do harm at the campus.” McKichan said the caller also communicated with another person around the same time, which raised concerns about the caller’s health and well-being.

Caller Located in Twin Cities, Sent for Evaluation

According to McKichan, the caller was identified as an Austin resident. Officers were dispatched to perform a welfare check but later learned the man was in the Twin Cities area. The Austin Police Department contacted law enforcement in the metro, and officers there located the caller and arranged for him to be transported to a medical facility.

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While the lockdown was in effect at Riverland College, Austin School Resource Officers checked in with the Austin School District about any potential concerns. McKichan also emphasized that his department is “not aware of any ongoing activity at any of our Austin educational locations.”

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