News

Actions

Students still out of residence on CNU campus after report of suspicious substance

Posted at 1:10 PM, Feb 04, 2019
and last updated 2019-02-15 20:00:29-05

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – Newport News Police and fire investigators responded Monday to a report of a suspicious substance at a house on the east campus of Christopher Newport University.

No injuries have been reported at this time, and officials have said there is no danger to the public or students on campus.

Students in adjoining residence halls were allowed to come and go as normal. Classes continued during the investigation, and university operations were not interrupted.

Authorities did not say what the suspicious substance was.

Upperclassmen live in the east campus units, which are known as Christopher Newport Crossing.

The Christopher Newport University Police Department and other police agencies, including Virginia State Police, conducted the investigation with help from the Newport News Fire Department.

On February 15, authorities said the substance is being tested at the state crime lab in Norfolk. Testing could take several weeks.

The health department has not yet given the all clear, so the house is still closed.

Students who were affected were provided with new housing, gift cards to buy necessities and new textbooks, officials told News 3. They have their essential hard items (keys, cellphones and laptops) back.

Other items that are porous and may be at risk of contamination – mainly bedding and clothing – are being tested. Once they’re determined to be safe, they will be returned to students.

Stay with News 3 for updates.