UMBC police respond to reported assault involving firearm, issue campus-wide alert
UMBC police are urging students and faculty to be on the lookout in the wake of a late-night attempted assault.
At 3:49 p.m. on Jan. 27, the UMBC Police Department issued a Campus Crime Alert to all students and faculty, informing them of an assault involving a firearm the previous night. Police are cautioning members of the campus community to take precautions to ensure their personal safety.
The assault occurred at 11:45 p.m. on Jan. 26 on the Inner Loop near Back Road. A male student was confronted by a man wielding “a long gun” from 75-100 feet away. The victim reportedly fled the scene before police were notified.
According to UMBC Deputy Chief Paul Dillon, the victim was not injured as a result of the incident. Following UMBC Police Department protocol, his identity will not be released.
The suspect has not been identified as of now. However, police have described him as an African-American male in his twenties or thirties of “slender build and medium height.” At the time the assault occurred, the suspect reportedly wore an orange-colored parka-jacket. “Beyond that, we have not found or received any further information regarding a description or identity of the suspect,” Dillon said.
UMBC police announced that they are presently investigating the matter. Additionally, Dillon stated that police would take extra safety precautions around campus.
“We are increasing patrols in the area, particularly in and outside the Loop,” Dillon said. “We have also shared the information that we currently have with the Baltimore County Police Department.”
In the meantime, students, faculty and visitors have been advised to be alert for suspicious occurrences, travel in groups when feasible, and otherwise take heed of their surroundings.
Police remain uncertain of the suspect’s motives presently, according to Dillon. “We are not certain if he wanted to simply scare someone, or if he had another intent,” he said. “We are hoping right now that this was merely a separated incident.”
At the same time, Dillon expressed optimism that police would uncover more information soon. “Hopefully, we will learn more soon and move forward from there.
