Man detained in Pierce College threat that canceled classes

A man was being questioned late Wednesday in connection with a threat to Pierce College that prompted administrators to cancel classes for the night, officials said.

Someone overheard the threat and reported it to authorities, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

Sheriff’s officials initially said a suspect had been arrested, but later put out a news release saying a man was detained and being questioned by Los Angeles Police Department investigators.

“At this time he has not been arrested for the threat related to Pierce College,” the statement said.

Investigators said the campus was not at risk.

Students were advised about 5:30 p.m. to leave the Woodland Hills campus, according to an emergency alert posted on Facebook.

Classes are slated to resume Thursday morning, officials said.

“We are taking measures to ensure safety of our students and employees,” the college said in the post. “Please do not come to Pierce College tonight.”

alene.tchekmedyian@latimes.com

Twitter: @AleneTchek

UPDATES:

11:30 p.m.: This article was updated to reflect that authorities now say that a man was detained and questioned, not arrested.

9:10 p.m.: This article was updated to indicate that a suspect was arrested.

This article was originally published at 6:05 p.m.