UPDATE 4:18PM: FAU students are reporting the lockdown has been lifted. It does not appear a suspect has been apprehended.
UPDATE: FAU’s student newspaper, the University Press, sent out this tweet: “There are no injuries and no shots have been fired,” according to #FAU Police
FAU’s Facebook page said FAU released this press statement:
“At approximately 1:10 p.m., an armed robbery occurred in the Arts and Letters building (building 9) of Florida Atlantic University’s Boca Raton campus. The victim was a student. The suspect is a black male, approximately 5-10, with a muscular build, dressed in white pants and white shirt and wearing a ski mask. The suspect placed a small handgun to the victim’s head and then fled on foot after taking some of the victim’s possessions. All campus entrances are closed. Cars are being allowed to exit campus through only the 10th and 13th street exits. All vehicles are being checked before leaving campus.”
Boca Raton’s Florida Atlantic University and Palm Beach State College are both on lockdown following alerts from FAU of an armed intruder on campus.
KnightNews.com received reports from several students at FAU who were being told to seek shelter immediately as they were alerted of the gunman.
FAU sent out the following messages to students and faculty:
FAU ALERT: Armed Intruder on Boca Campus, Arts and Letters Building, Bldg 9, today. An unauthorized armed intruder has been reported in Arts and Letters Building, Bldg 9. Remain alert. Avoid area. Emergency personnel have been called and are on-scene handling the situation. Follow police instructions. Those off campus are advised to stay away until further notice. If you have information relevant to this emergency, call University Police at 911.
FAU Alert: Boca Campus. Suspect Description: Black male wearing white pants, white shirt. Approximately five feet ten inches tall. Muscular build. Remain alert. Remain sheltered in place. Lock doors. Contact 911 with any information you may have.
Facebook posts say FAU’s siren alert system is warning students to get to the nearest building for safety. All students are currently locked down while police search for the suspect.
Check back on this breaking news.
