Northwestern Michigan College and the Traverse City Police Department responded to a potential emergency situation at the Aero Park Campus Thursday, sending out an alert telling the public to avoid the area. Authorities later determined the campus was safe and there was no threat.

"As acting president while Dr. Nissley is traveling, I would like to share more information about what happened so you can remain confident in the college’s emergency response and your safety on our campuses," Vice President of Finance & Administration Troy Kierczynski wrote in an email to the college community. "This morning, there were reports of an unsecured firearm (a pellet gun) in the parking lot of Aero Park Labs.Out of an abundance of caution 911 was called. TCPD officers investigated and determined there to be no threat."

Kierczynski continued: "During this firearm deer hunting season, it is a good time to remind everyone of Michigan law regarding transporting firearms. You may transport your registered handguns while en route to and from your hunting or target shooting area; however, handguns, including BB guns larger than .177 caliber and all pellet guns, must be unloaded and in a closed case designed for the storage of firearms and cannot be readily accessible to any occupant of the vehicle."

Kierczynski said that while the incident was determined to not be a threat, "please know NMC will continue to take all security incidents seriously for the safety of our entire NMC community, and we will continue to look for ways to improve our response efforts."