'All clear' at UNC Chapel Hill after emergency alert issued
CHAPEL HILL (WTVD) -- The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill issued an "all clear" more than an hour after activating their emergency sirens early Friday morning because of a report of an armed and dangerous person on or near campus.
The University issued the emergency warning and activated the sirens after the armed robbery was reported around 12:40 a.m. near Ehringhaus Residence Hall on campus.
Authorities said a male UNC student was approached by a black man, armed with a handgun. The student was not hurt.
"I heard someone got robbed outside E-house - that's very troubling to me," UNC freshman Logan Colone said. "This is a college campus full of kids. I don't think anyone should be walking around with a gun. Like, this is obviously not a dangerous place, but some people decide to make it a dangerous place."
The assailant was described as about 5'10" tall and appeared to be around 20-25 years old.
The victim reported that the suspect had a goatee and wore a ski mask covering part of his face. He wore a Dallas Cowboys jacket and sweat pants. He fled the scene on foot, going northbound towards Ridge Road. Authorities are still searching for the suspect.
Just after 2 a.m., the school said it was safe to resume normal activities. During the emergency alert, university police advised all students, faculty and staff to stay inside until further notice, to lock all windows and doors and to follow directions from emergency responders or university officials.
Friday's incident makes the second robbery reported on or near campus in the past week.
The sirens on campus are activated when there is a significant emergency or immediate health or safety threat to the campus community.
Visit alertcarolina.unc.edu for information on UNC's emergency procedures.
