LOWELL, Mass. — The University of Massachusetts Lowell was put on high alert on Wednesday afternoon following the issuance of a campus-wide shelter-in-place order. This precautionary measure was taken in response to a report of a person suspected of carrying a firearm on campus grounds.
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Law enforcement officials are actively searching for the suspect described as an Asian male, approximately 5 feet 5 inches tall, wearing a gray or white sweatshirt and black shorts, reports WMUR. The individual was reportedly seen carrying a long weapon in the vicinity of Riverview Suites, a dormitory located on Middlesex Street.
UMass Lowell Campus on Edge as Police Investigate
Despite the alarming nature of the situation, there have been no reports of shots being fired. However, Massachusetts State Police are aware of a circulating video purportedly showing an armed individual walking near the dormitories, reports WCVB. This video has added to the urgency of the ongoing investigation.
Riverview Suites is home to many students, as UMass Lowell accommodates approximately 3,700 students on campus out of its total enrollment of 16,900 undergraduates and graduates. The search for the suspect has expanded beyond the immediate dorm area to include Pawtucket and Broadway streets, as confirmed by Lowell police.
Messages sent through the university’s emergency notification system have kept the campus community informed, advising all students and staff to remain indoors and stay alert.
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The incident has prompted a significant response from law enforcement.
This is a developing story.
