Missouri Career Center locked down after disturbing message

The Missouri Career Center is under lockdown Monday afternoon after a disturbing message was left on the facility’s voicemail.

Columbia Police responded to the 1500 block of Vandiver Drive just after noon Monday.

Officials at the office placed the building on lockdown as a precaution.

People entering the building were notified by a paper outside saying the building was locked down due to a threat, and a security guard was stationed at the door.

People leaving the building were told to “watch their backs and be safe.”

Students inside at the time told ABC 17 someone called and said they were going to bring a gun to the building, but that has not been confirmed by Columbia Police.

Director of Marketing at the Missouri Department of Economic Development Amy Susan released a statement saying, “The safety of our employees and our customers is our greatest priority and we take threats very seriously. Our staff took the correct action by notifying authorities of the message.”

Susan said she anticipates the building will be open for normal business hours Tuesday.

Some of the businesses inside the career center include Social Services, Probation and Parole, Driver Examination Office, and Department of Health and Senior Services.

Columbia Police are trying to locate the person that left the message to check on his or her well being.

Stay with ABC 17 News for the latest on this developing story.