Man Arrested After Reports Of Armed Suspect Prompt Lockdown At SUNY Purchase
PURCHASE, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- A man was arrested Monday in a campus scare that led to a lockdown at SUNY Purchase in Westchester County.
Jean-Pierre Flitcher, 24, of New Rochelle, was arrested after fleeing campus Monday evening following a quarrel at a student event, according to school officials and New York State University Police.
The school was placed on lockdown Sunday following a report of a suspect who may have been seen carrying a gun on campus.
Some students were still on edge from the incident Monday morning.
"At the end of the day, I know the guy can't be at all the places at the same time, but it's scary, you know," student Petronila Rodriguez told CBS2's Magdalena Doris.
The incident happened around 8:45 p.m. Sunday.
In exclusive video captured by a person in the Alumni Village dorms on campus, multiple people can be heard arguing. Someone can then be heard saying, "He's got a gun on him."
Soon after, a man is seen running away. It's unclear if that is the person alleged to have had a gun or a bystander.
Once police were notified about the incident, students and staff were told to stay indoors and the library was placed on lockdown as campus, local and state police searched the college.
"I heard over the loudspeaker outside my dorm, everybody get in their rooms, this is not a drill, stay indoors because they just sent us a text that said there was an armed gunman on campus," student Katelyn Tobey said.
Campus officials said no shots were ever fired and police believe the man who may have been armed ran through the wooded area behind the dorms.
As police investigated, checkpoints at entrances were set up and every car was inspected before leaving. Students returning to campus were initially turned away.
"There was like four cop cars outside of school and they were turning everybody away, saying that they can't come," said student Greg Walsh.
Students who live on campus said they feel the school has stepped up.
"There is definitely a lot more security on campus," said student Tabby Wakes. "I think they're doing a good effort."
Residents of nearby Manhattanville College were also urged to stay indoors for a short period of time during the police investigation, but no threat was found.
Classes at Manhattanville are going on as scheduled.
