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UNCC student accused of threatening school found at other campuses

By Blaine Tolison, wsoctv.com
By Blaine Tolison, wsoctv.com

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A UNC-Charlotte student accused of threatening to shoot up the university earlier this month has been found hanging around other campuses after being released from jail, officials said.

Matthew Saavedra, of King, North Carolina, was found at schools in Virginia, including an elementary school, officials said.

(Matthew Saavedra)

Saavedra, 20, posted bond less than 24 hours after he was arrested on suspicion of making a false report of mass violence at UNC-Charlotte.

[RELATED: Man accused of threatening to shoot up UNCC campus free on bond]

Students were already on edge knowing Saavedra not only made threats but had the university's active shooter policy and building blueprints in his University City apartment.

"I don't know what can legally be done, but something definitely should be,” student Luke Perry said.

After making bail last week, police found Saavedra on the campus of the UNC School of the Arts in Winston-Salem two days later.

Police said he didn't have any weapons, but was asked to leave campus.

From there, deputies in Virginia said two officers followed Saavedra to an elementary school parking lot in Carroll County.

"We are actively seeking to keep a close watch on Mr. Saavedra and we are aware of some of his recent movements from last week,” said UNCC Police Chief Jeff Baker.

Baker said they are still building their case against Saavedra and he is banned from all of UNC's campuses across the state.

"Throughout the state of North Carolina all agencies have been notified,” Baker said.

Students said they will still be more vigilant knowing Savvedra is still out on bond.

"It is definitely a priority because everybody wants to be safe, I mean, this is supposed to be a safe zone,” student Brittany Diaz said.

Saavedra told a doctor at UNCC that he could not wait to buy a gun and shoot the university up, and that he liked watching people die.

He was kicked out of the school.

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