UMass Lowell lockdown was caused by teen with airsoft rifle, police say
The lockdown and massive police search on the campus of UMass Lowell on Wednesday was caused by a teenage boy with an airsoft rifle, police said.
UMass Lowell sent an alert on campus around 2:30 p.m. reporting a sighting of a person with a gun near the Riverview Suites on the South Campus. People were asked to stay indoors, and classes were canceled for the day.
Later, UMass Lowell Police Chief Ron Dickerson confirmed that a video circulating on social media that showed a person apparently armed with a long gun was real. Dickerson said that police had seen the person on their own surveillance videos.
There were no reports of shots fired. The lockdown ended around 5:15 p.m. with no one in custody. Police continued searching throughout the night.
On Thursday, the Lowell Police Department announced that a teenage boy was identified as the person who prompted the lockdown. They shared a photograph of the gun, which was confirmed to be an "airsoft replica weapon."
The boy's name was not released. Police did not say if he is facing any charges.
Lowell Police Superintendent Greg Hudon said in a statement that the safety of people in the city is top priority and, "the extensive response of personnel and assets by this department and our law enforcement partners was a testament to that commitment."
"I want to thank all our officers and partners for their brave response as well as our investigators for their diligent investigative work that brought closure to this incident," Hudon said. "I would especially like to thank the residents of the affected neighborhood for their cooperation and understanding while this incident unfolded. While the reported firearm in this case was ultimately determined to be an airsoft gun, our community can be certain that, as in this case, the Lowell Police Department will always utilize all available resources until the safety of all involved is assured."
Video showed Lowell suspect
Phing Bui's home surveillance camera captured the teen brandishing the airsoft gun.
"It was kind of clear as day that there was someone holding a gun and you could tell that that person was young," Bui said. "At first my heart dropped because I was like, 'This is crazy.' It's broad daylight. Who would be doing that? And he was just like, aiming it around so there are a lot of kids in the neighborhood so it was kind of scary, like if there was a kid there. Who knows what could've went down?"
Bui suspects the teen's goal was likely to spook people.
"Hopefully he learns his lesson. I don't think he meant for it to get this far like with the police and everyone involved," Bui said.
Video from Marginal Street in Lowell on Wednesday also showed a person holding what looks like a rifle as a child rode by on a bicycle.
UMass Lowell response
In a statement to members of the campus, UMass Lowell chancellor Julie Chen said, "I want to extend my sincere gratitude to everyone for handling yesterday's difficult, frightening incident with such grace and professionalism."
Chen said the school is encouraging students to attend class Thursday.
"Some will understandably be uncomfortable and should raise concerns with their professors, who are a supportive and sympathetic resource," Chen said. "Members of our faculty and staff may also be uncomfortable returning to work, and we know their managers will extend consideration."
Trauma specialists and comfort dogs were on campus Thursday.