At 11 p.m. UW police announced that the suicidal young man suspected to have a gun and wanting to be killed by a police officer is still at large, but is only a threat to himself and not to the UW-Madison community.
University officials said the community is safe and students should attend classes as normal tomorrow.
Heighted security, however, is expected.
Police decribed the suspect as a 19-year-old white male, 6 feet tall, 160 lbs.
Tonight students can use Union, Badger and Madison Cab services for free to get home. The university said it will reimburse the companies later on.
TIMELINE OF EVENTS
At 4:40, The Dane County Crisis Center recieved a call from a man who identified himself as Jesse A. Miller, a 19-year-old white male. Miller told the DCC that he was on the UW Hospital parking structure roof. He warned the DCC he wanted to commit suicide, that he was armed and that he wanted to be killed by police. UWPD was called immediately.
Around 5, a second call came in, this time to 9-1-1, saying shots were fired near the intersection of University and Highland Avenues. The caller said people were fleeing the scene. However, UWPD investigated the scene and said everything was normal. Police suspect it was Miller who called.
Another call came in around 5:30. 9-1-1 also received this call. Police said someone identified themself as a security guard. They said the \security guard"" told them of a bomb threat at UW Hospital. Police immediately locked down the hospital and once again, suspected Miller to be the caller.
Shortly after the third call, UW police sent out a mass e-mail to UW-Madison students and faculty warning them of the situation. Police were stationed mainly on the west side of campus, as that is where Miller was suspected to be.
6:30 - Police give an initial brief on the situation. Dale Burke, UWPD assistant chief, said Miller's whereabouts remain unknown and that he is dangerous. Burke said Miller has a history of mental problems and was in Dane County Jail for armed robbery. Miller was supposed to be on work release, but has not been seen since Sept. 8.
Night classes and a women's soccer match are canceled.
8:30 - A second email is sent to UW students and faculty as an update. Buildings, such as Memorial Union and Union South, are put on lockdown and students are urged to stay inside their homes and dorms.
Also at 8:30, police give a second briefing. Whereabouts of Miller remain unknown. Police said they are trying to track down previous phone calls made to the DCC and 9-1-1. Burke said nearly all of the UWPD and MPD forces are searching for the suspect and that their search has stretched outside the boundaries of the west side of the UW campus.
11:00 p.m., police declare Miller only a threat to himself and not the UW-Madison community. Students are advised to travel home in groups and take advantage of free cab services. Classes will resume as normal Wednesday morning. Police are still on the search for Miller.
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