Campus Safety, LASD release man suspected of attempting to bring gun onto campus

Pierce Singgih / THE CHIMES

Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department personnel examine evidence after arresting a man suspected of bringing a gun onto campus on Nov. 20, 2018.

Austin Green, Kyle Kohner, Pierce Singgih, and Christian Leonard
November 20, 2018

UPDATE NOV. 20, 9:30 P.M.: This article was updated with information concerning the individual’s name, age and release from law enforcement custody.

A man was arrested by Campus Safety and the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department near the La Mirada Boulevard entrance Tuesday night. Ben Coffman was charged with coming onto campus with a gun but was later released, authorities said.

Coffman, whom Campus Safety Chief John Ojeisekhoba describes as a man in his 50s, had a concealed carry permit from Orange County, but the California Penal Code prohibits non-law enforcement members from bringing guns onto college campuses even if they have permits, according to Ojeisekhoba.

“We had a call from the gate attendant, who recognized a male—older male,” Ojeisekhoba said. “The male, about a week ago, had come by there and asked if the campus was a gun-free zone. The attendant told him, ‘Yes, gun-free zone—you can’t carry a weapon on campus.’ The gate attendant then notified a [Campus Safety] officer. Before the officer got there, the individual had taken off.”

According to Ojeisekhoba, Coffman came back at 6:20 p.m. on Tuesday, when the same gate attendant recognized him and alerted Campus Safety. The LASD responded to campus and confirmed Coffman had a handgun concealed on his side.

A mass text sent via Biola’s emergency alert system at 7:20 p.m. said that the campus was not at risk. The La Mirada Boulevard entrance was closed for a brief time while law enforcement handled the situation.

According to Ojeisekhoba, the man appeared to be living out of his car and claimed he planned to go on a run on the track around Al Barbour Field.

“He said he wanted to come and run on the track, but you don’t run on the track with a pair of jeans and a button up shirt and shoes, Ojeisekhoba said. “So, that’s what we’re still trying to sort out here.”

At this time, it is unclear whether the man has any connection to Biola.

The LASD will follow up with the case. Ojeisekhoba believes Coffman will heed the trespassing warning and his ban from campus and that he does not pose a threat to the Biola community.

0 0 votes

Article Rating

Leave a Comment

About the Contributors

Austin Green, Managing Editor

Austin Green is a junior journalism major who was first among his friends to predict that LeBron James would sign with the Los Angeles Lakers. When not focused on school or work, he enjoys watching sports, going to the beach or coffee shops, and hanging out with the guys on his dorm floor.

[email protected]

I laughed the first time I heard a former editor-in-chief use the line “once you join the Chimes, you never really leave.” Now in my third year here, it turns out...

Kyle Kohner, Copy Editor & Office Manager

Amid his final year with the Chimes, Kyle is a four-year vet of the publication. Before this year, Kyle began his tenure like most at the Chimes—as a freelancer and an apprentice. He’s also held positions as the online editor and the A&E staff writer in the past. He also demands that you all go watch the movie “Hereditary.”

Hello there! My name is Kyle Kohner, born and raised in San Bernardino, California. I am a senior journalism student at Biola University and a self-proclaimed film...

Pierce Singgih, Editor-in-Chief (Fall 2019)

Pierce Singgih is a senior journalism major who keeps postponing graduation. When he’s not writing or editing, he can be found watching a Noah Baumbach film or drinking coffee.

[email protected]

I transferred to Biola as a biology major in 2017. You read that right. I wanted to be a doctor. After a semester here, and a few semesters of biology at community college, I realized I had zero desire to pursue a career in medicine. With no direction and little experience writing,...

Christian Leonard, Editor-in-Chief

Christian Leonard is a junior journalism major whose affinity for chickens is really getting out of hand. He can often be found singing in the office, wrapped around a book, or arguing for the classification of cereal as a soup.

[email protected]

I came to Biola a nervous freshman, not really sure what I wanted to do during my time at university. Years of prayer and waiting seemed fruitless, until an academic counselor recommended I contact the Chimes, since I had shown a...