MARSHALL — Public Safety alerted Southwest Minnesota State University students and staff Friday about an incident with a suspicious person on campus in the early hours of the morning.

The whereabouts of a person reported to have pursued a university student are currently unknown, Director of University Public Safety Mike Munford said in an email to campus community members. Munford told the Independent that it is not believed that the university is facing any immediate threats.

“Nonetheless, we encourage continued awareness and prompt reporting of any unusual behavior to ensure we can respond swiftly and appropriately,” Munford said in an email Friday afternoon.

The incident is being investigated by Marshall Police, Munford said.

An email sent to SMSU campus community members Friday morning said a student had been followed by an unknown male near the pedestrian tunnel area on campus. In the alert, Munford said the student reported the encounter around 1 a.m. The student said a white male wearing a grey hoodie with the hood up, and black sweatpants, began moving toward her. When she attempted to walk away, the male appeared to pursue her, Munford said.

The student ran to a residence hall and reported the incident to a Resident Assistant, Munford said in the alert.

The suspect’s identity and whereabouts are unknown, Munford said. However, Munford told the Independent that SMSU Public Safety would continue to be “visible and vigilant across campus.”

“Our team remains proactive in monitoring key areas, including the tunnel, and is committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for everyone,” he said.

In the campus email, Munford encouraged students to avoid isolated areas at night, walk in groups or use campus escort services, and to report suspicious activity to University Public Safety.