UPDATE: Caller threatened to use bomb at Koch Arena

A bomb threat prompted Wichita State University officials to evacuate Koch Arena on Tuesday night.

Wichita Heights High School was scheduled to hold its graduation ceremonies at 7 p.m. at the arena.

“The arena was emptied so it could be searched” after the threat, university spokesman Lou Heldman said in an e-mail response to questions.

A bomb threat was called in to Sedgwick County 911 late Tuesday afternoon, according to a statement released by the university.

“The caller suggested that an explosive device might be used at the event,” the university statement said.

Three bomb-sniffing dogs from the Kansas Highway Patrol were used to determine whether the threat was valid. The practice gym was checked and deemed safe, so graduates and Heights faculty were allowed to gather there.

USD 259 issued a statement on the district’s website Tuesday night.

“We are cooperating with WSU and Wichita Police as they take this threat seriously and complete a search of the building. Until that safety search has concluded, Koch Arena is closed and the start of graduation will be delayed.”

The ceremony began at 8 p.m., USD 259 officials said.

This story was originally published May 16, 2017 at 6:29 PM with the headline "UPDATE: Caller threatened to use bomb at Koch Arena."