A former Ames Laboratory employee was arrested Tuesday for violating a no-contact order after attempting to access lab facilities.

After Alexandra Tsokol’s arrest, Ames Lab buildings were subsequently locked as a precautionary measure.

The series of events leading up to Tuesday’s arrest began on Thursday, April 24, when Tsokol was arrested by the Ames Police Department and charged with second-degree harassment for allegedly threatening an Ames Lab employee. The charge led to a no-contact order being issued to Tsokol, preventing her from contacting the employee or entering the vicinity of the lab.

Tsokol then attempted to gain access to Ames Lab on Sunday, April 27, in violation of the no-contact order.

“On Sunday, the former employee of Ames Lab was on the premises,” said Gene Deisinger, commander of ISU Police. “We determined that this was in violation of the existing no-contact order.”

In discussions between Ames Lab and the ISU Police, it was decided that the laboratory buildings be locked to prevent Tsokol from gaining access to the facility.

“It is purely a precautionary measure,” said Tom Wessels, manager of safeguards and security at Ames Laboratory.

Steve Karsjen, public affairs manager with Ames Lab, said that locking the buildings was not a hassle for employees.

“We have a key system, and all employees have keys that would allow them in,” he said.

Wessels said that the lab will remain locked for a period of time, which will be determined after “re-evaluating the situation.”