Florida Atlantic University Armed Intruder Hunted by Police After Student Robbed at Gunpoint
Florida Atlantic University had an armed intruder wreak havoc on the campus on Thursday, after robbing one student at gunpoint before going on the run. Police rushed to the scene and shut down Boca Raton campus as they searched for the armed gunman.
The student was reportedly robbed at gunpoint at about 1.10 p.m. local time.
He was robbed at the Arts and Letters building, which is also known as Building 9 of the Boca Raton campus of the university.
Get Our Latest News for FREE
University officials have heard witness testimonies that the suspect was wearing white pants, white shirt as well as a ski mask as the time of the armed robbery.
Christopher Stotz, Assistant Director of Media Relations, in an email statement, said, "The suspect placed a small handgun to the victim's head and then fled on foot after taking some of the victim's possessions."
Police had blocked off areas of the campus, and cars are currently only being allowed to exit the campus through the 10th and 13th Street exits, according to NBC News.
The university's website has left a message stating: "Avoid area. Emergency personnel have been called and are on-scene handling the situation. Follow police instructions.Those off campus are advised to stay away until further notice."
All main entrances to the university have also been put on lockdown by Boca Raton Police. Official police teams are assisting campus police in searching through the campus systematically in search of the gunman.
In other reports the suspect has been rumored to have fled to the nearby Palm Beach State College's Boca Raton campus, according to the Palm Beach Post. The two schools border one another, and it is believed the gunman may have fled to the neighboring campus.
Police have urged all in the immediate areas to be extremely vigilant and to report any information regarding the armed gunman to 911.
A notice on the university website has stated:
FAU Alert: Armed Intruder - Armed Intruder on Boca Campus, Arts and Letters Building, Bldg 9, today. An unauthorized armed intruder has been reported in Arts and Letters Building, Bldg 9. Remain alert. Avoid area. Emergency personnel have been called and are on-scene handling the situation. Follow police instructions. Those off campus are advised to stay away until further notice. If you have information relevant to this emergency, call University Police at 911.
