Authorities detained a 30-year-old Citrus College student suspected of threatening to “shoot up” the school on Tuesday, leading to a more than six-hour lockdown of the Glendora campus.

The incident began about 11:15 a.m., when Terrell Lee Bennett called 911 saying he was on his way to the college, according to the Glendora Police Department. The campus and surrounding streets were locked down as several law enforcement agencies, including a regional SWAT team, were called to the scene.

Authorities found the man’s car in a campus parking lot and began a room-to-room search of the college The Los Angeles County sheriff’s bomb squad did not find explosive devices on campus, the Police Department said.

Bennett, of Chino, surrendered and was taken into custody about 3:40 p.m. Police identified him as an online student who was scheduled Tuesday for an in-person class.


Terrell Lee Bennett was taken into custody Tuesday after a shooting threat at Citrus College. (Glendora Police Department)

Police said that “suicide-by-cop” appeared to be a possible motive based on Bennett’s statements.

During the incident, Citrus College urged people to stay away.

“If you are not on campus, stay away. Go to the nearest room, turn off lights, lock door, and remain quiet. Remain locked down until an All Clear has been issued,” the college tweeted.


Azusa Pacific University also went on lockdown temporarily because of its proximity to Citrus College. Both schools canceled classes Tuesday afternoon for the rest of the day.

The lockdown at Citrus College was lifted about 6 p.m.

Foothill Transit lines 188, 281, 284 and 488 were rerouted because of the lockdown, the transit agency said on Twitter. The agency said riders should expect delays.

URGENT: APU Community at the Azusa campus: Please shelter-in-place. The campus is on lockdown. If you are on campus, please remain where you are. If off campus, please stay away from the area. Glendora PD is investigating a threat at Citrus College. Updates to follow. — AzusaPacific (@azusapacific) January 15, 2019