Former William Jewell student accused of threatening to shoot at campus building

A former William Jewell College student is in custody after allegedly threatening students and staff over the weekend, according to a press release from Liberty Police Department Capt. Matt Kellogg.

On June 21 at 9:45 p.m., Liberty communications officers received a call from someone claiming they were going to “start shooting” at a specific building on the William Jewell College campus, Kellogg said.

Officers responded to the campus and determined the alleged caller was not there, Kellogg said. Leadership at the college was notified of the incident and extra police and security presence were placed at the campus.

The suspect was identified as a former student at the college, Kellogg said.

On June 22, around 11 a.m., an investigation revealed the suspect was at a business outside Liberty near Missouri Route 291 and Interstate 35, Kellogg said. An attempt to stop the suspect’s vehicle was discontinued after the suspect displayed “extremely dangerous driving.”

The William Jewell College campus closed around 7 p.m. on June 22, Kellogg said.

On June 23, the Missouri State Highway Patrol pursued and arrested the suspect near Sedalia, Kellogg said.

Officers have not released the name of the suspect pending further investigation, Kellogg said.

This story was originally published June 23, 2025 at 6:32 PM.