Update (5:35pm) Press release from Lowell Police Department added to bottom of the story
Update (5:30pm) UML Emergency: Lockdown and shelter in place orders have been lifted for all UMass Lowell campuses. Based on a search and investigation, law enforcement partners believe the suspect is no longer in the vicinity. A large police presence is being maintained on campus, and officers will be stationed at all residence halls overnight.
Lowell Police are actively searching for a person seen on video walking around UMass Lowell South Campus with what appears to be a rifle.
Video taken from a window was posted on Facebook by a UMass Lowell student and shared on another student’s FB page.
The video shows a person pointing what appears to be a rifle as he makes his way along a path, in view of UML buildings. (video posted below)
An LPD source confirmed officers are currently searching the tracks behind the school for the individual seen on video and “all resources are on the scene.”
InsideLowell received permission to use the video taken by the student, who does not wish to be identified.
The six second video clip, shot from a window, shows the individual walking down a path and pointing what looks like a rifle of some sort. The person shooting the video can be heard telling another person to “call 9-1-1.”
Students on campus are being told to shelter in place as the search continues. As of this moment, an official tells InsideLowell there have been no reports of an actual shooting or any injuries.
Witnesses tell us numerous emergency vehicles, including a SWAT Team, have been seen speeding through the city toward South Campus. An official tells us FBI and State Police are also on the scene.
UML Emergency sent out two initiail messages, which included advice on how to defend yourself. The other said “Lowell PD is looking for a 5’5 Asian male wearing a gray or white sweatshirt and black shorts carrying a long weapon. Seen in the rear of Riverview Suites.”
Lowell Public Schools issued a social media statement advising “Due to an active police situation on UMass Lowell’s South Campus, the area between Marginal Street and the Lowell Humane Society is in lockdown. Stay away from the area. Students on the Bartlett and Stoklosa Cross Country teams are safely sheltering inside their schools. Students who are still on buses will be delayed because of the rerouting of traffic, so be patient at the bus stop.”
Update (4:46pm) Police are working on facilitating a controlled evacuation of South Campus Buildings. All South Campus residents are advised to stay in place. Faculty, staff, commuters, East Campus students and visitors will be dismissed by law enforcement building by building and asked to take buses back to their vehicles or their East Campus dorms.
Update (4:20pm) A city official tells us law enforcement has been unable to locate the suspect to this point.
Update (4:03pm) A UML Emergency notification says shelter in place remains in effect campus wide. All classed and events on campus have been cancelled.
Stay with us for more information as it becomes available.
