Wake Tech Lockdown: Suspected Gunman in Custody
A campus lockdown, which began around 8:30 a.m. after a gunman was reported nearby, was lifted after the suspect was taken into custody by police officials, who responded to the situation.
The lockdown was announced at Wake Technical Community College, in North Carolina, at 9 a.m. after a phone call reported that a man was seen near campus holding a gun. Sheriffs immediately reported to the campus to investigate the situation.
Shortly after the phone call, students and faculty were asked to lock themselves in their offices and classrooms.
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"Wake Technical Community College is coordinating with sheriff's deputies to determine the seriousness of the threat," school spokeswoman Laurie Clowers told The Associated Press.
The most recent update has stated that the suspect was taken into custody, although no reports have been made as to whether the man was armed.
The president of Wake Tech, Dr. Stephen Scott, thanked the police department in a statement to News 14 Carolina.
"I do want to thank the sheriff's department and the highway patrol, but in particular the sheriff's department for their quick response and their professionalism," he said. "It was just wonderful here for our people."
The campus, which has five locations, enrolls over 63,000 students a year. The most recent announcement concerning the incident came from the school website, which reported that the lockdown on the main campus had been lifted. Classes are to be resumed at 1 p.m.
"No one is allowed in or off of Main Campus at this time," the website noted, until classes resume. "We will post more information as it becomes available."
Currently, no reason was given as to why the lockdown was lifted and no information was been released about the gunman or whether he has been detained.
Heather Hefner, a student at Wake Tech, stated on Twitter sometime after 10 a.m. that police officers had asked her to leave the campus.
The nearby Vance Elementary school, which was also placed on lockdown, has now resumed regular activities as well, although roads surrounding the two schools remain blocked by police activity.
