PEORIA, Illinois – Caterpillar, Inc. buildings in Peoria were reportedly locked down after an allegedly “credible workplace threat.”
“Out of an abundance of caution, we have placed employees in the Peoria area on lockdown. Law enforcement officers have also be placed at Peoria-area Caterpillar facilities,” said Caterpillar spokesperson Lisa Miller on Friday, May 20, 2016, according to multiple media reports.
Police were investigating “a complaint regarding an individual whom has made threatening statements toward Caterpillar,” according to a report from radio station WMBD.
“Today we were made aware of a credible workplace violence threat to a downtown Peoria Caterpillar building. At this time we’re unsure of the threat will impact any other Peoria-area buildings. Out of an abundance of caution, we have place employees in the Peoria area on lockdown. Law enforcement officers have also been placed at Peoria-area Caterpillar facilities. We are working closely with law enforcement and will provide updates as soon as possible,” said a statement issued by Miller.
Although the threat was at their downtown Peoria building, all Peoria-area employees were put on lockdown according to a report from the Peoria Journal-Star.
There were unconfirmed reports that the lockdown was being lifted around 3:30 p.m. Miller later confirmed those reports, and issued a follow-up statement:
“We continue to engage with law enforcement, and based on new information, Caterpillar is lifting the lockdown that was placed on all Peoria-area Caterpillar facilities. We are resuming to normal operations at this time. We will continue to monitor the situation and, should we need to communicate further, we will provide an updates needed. Any questions pertaining to the threat should be referred to the Peoria Police Department,” Miller said.
