Suspect arrested, ‘all clear’ given after incident at UNC-Chapel Hill

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill reported an armed and dangerous person on the campus Wednesday, just weeks after a deadly shooting rattled the community.

According to a message from the university sent to students and faculty on campus around 1 p.m., an “armed, dangerous person” was seen on or near the campus. People were told to go inside and avoid windows.

Just after 2:10 p.m., the university announced that the situation was cleared, and people could resume normal activities.

(PHOTOS: Armed, dangerous person reported at UNC Chapel Hill)

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Police look for armed and dangerous person reported at UNC-Chapel Hill campus on Sept. 13, 2023 Police look for armed and dangerous person reported at UNC-Chapel Hill campus on Sept. 13, 2023

WRAL first reported that police were told to “be on the lookout for a suspect in an incident at Alpine Bagel at the UNC Student Union.” One person was reportedly seen with a firearm near there.

Around 3 p.m., aerial video shared by ABC affiliate WTVD showed police taking one person into custody in an area north of campus.

The Chapel Hill Police Department said officers arrested 27-year-old Mickel Deonte Harris of Durham. Police said he was wanted for “outstanding warrants related to an assault on Sept. 5.” Harris was also connected to “an incident on UNC-Chapel Hill’s campus earlier [Wednesday] afternoon.”

Police didn’t give information about Wednesday’s incident.

Students shared on social media in the early afternoon that they were sheltering in place as alarms were heard across campus.

This incident comes a little over two weeks after a UNC professor was allegedly shot and killed by a graduate student who was on his research team. That shooting prompted a campus-wide lockdown on Aug. 28. Talei Qi was taken into custody and charged with murder after that shooting.

Message from Chancellor Kevin M. Guskiewicz:

“Dear Carolina Community,

“At 12:55 p.m., an Alert Carolina was activated because of reports at the Student Union of a person who brandished a weapon. UNC Police reported no shots fired. The situation was related to a personnel matter for one of our auxiliary units.

“We issued an “all clear” message to campus at approximately 2:10 p.m. Law enforcement has determined there is no longer an immediate threat to campus, and a suspect is in custody. UNC Police are working closely with the Chapel Hill Police Department to gather information and continue their thorough and professional response.

“Following the incident on Monday, Aug. 28, the news of another armed person and a second lockdown on our campus is concerning and can be traumatic. As a result, we are in Condition 3 until 5 p.m. today and we will move to Condition 2 until 11:59 p.m. All residential classes are canceled for the rest of the day, and we will resume all classes tomorrow.

“Please know that support is available and these departments stand ready to help. Students, including graduate and professional students and postdocs, please contact the Dean of Students team or Counseling and Psychological Services. Faculty and staff should reach out to the Employee Assistance Program.

“I am grateful to our UNC Police and Emergency Operations team for managing this situation quickly and efficiently. Thank you to our faculty, staff, and students for their cooperation and patience as we continue to strive to keep our community safe.”

This is a developing story, check back for updates.

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