Hoax bomb threat prompts COCC culinary center evacuation

(Update: Adding video, comments by Paradis, instructor)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- A hoax bomb threat made on social media by a Central Oregon Community College student Tuesday morning led to a 45-minute precautionary evacuation of the Jungers Culinary Center, school officials said.

The building was evacuated around 8:15 a.m. while the college resource officer -- who is also a Bend police officer -- and COCC's Campus Public Safety investigated, including talking to the student who made the threat, according to Ron Paradis, the college's executive director of college relations.

"They concluded there was no threat to the building, and students and staff were allowed back inside" around 9 a.m., Paradis said in a brief announcement.

Paradis said there were two classes inside the building at the time of the evacuation, including about 20 students and five staff members.

Paradis said he could not offer any details about the student reportedly involved, but added, "The college will not press charges."

Paradis told NewsChannel 21 the school will handle any disciplinary action deemed warranted.

"We're not discussing anything about the person that made the threat except to say that we have talked to them and we'll proceed from there," Paradis said. "Someone had let us know they'd seen it on social media and what it said, and it was enough for us to be cautious and evacuate the building."

Paradis added threats are "pretty unusual" and "not something that happens very often."

NewsChannel 21 also spoke with one of the culinary instructors, Thor Erickson. He declined to be on camera, but credited the college resource officer for acting quickly to ensure the safety of everyone at the school.

Erickson said the culinary students are shaken up by the incident. Students were advised not to speak with NewsChannel 21 on camera.