JANESVILLE — A report of shots fired at Janesville’s UWW Rock County campus turned out to be a false alarm Friday after investigators determined the sounds were likely caused by fireworks.
According to a news release, the Rock County Communication Center received the report at approximately 2:52 p.m. from the area of the campus located at 2909 Kellogg Ave. The first units arrived seven minutes later and began securing the area.
While the campus was placed on lockdown, officials said in a news conference that a limited number of students and staff were present at the time due to the campus schedule.
Officers completed an initial search of the grounds by 3:54 p.m. and a secondary search by 5:18 p.m.
The preliminary investigation indicates the sounds were likely caused by someone setting off fireworks near the campus.
Despite the false alarm, personnel had to manage the scene in dangerously cold winter temperatures
Responding agencies included the Janesville Police Department, Wisconsin State Patrol, UW-Whitewater Police Department, Town of Beloit Police Department, Janesville Fire Department, and Mercy Hospital’s MD-1.