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Authorities began evacuating residents near the 500 block of West Murray Street around 9 p.m. Wednesday night after reports of a gunman in the area that turned out to be false.

During a briefing just after 8 p.m. Wednesday night, the Illinois State Police said a 911 call came in around 6 p.m. on Wednesday.

Police originally advised people to stay off of Murray Street west of the WIU campus. The area was sealed off.

WIU students tell KHQA it's been a scary past year when it comes to crime.