RICHMOND, Va. -- The man who prompted a lock down and evacuation of J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College will undergo a medical evaluation and treatment. No charges have been filed as the investigation into the man and his actions continues, Richmond Police spokesman James Mercante said Thursday afternoon.
All day and evening classes at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College's downtown Richmond campus were canceled Thursday after the man was taken into custody after a gun scare on campus. No gun was ever found, police said.
The man, wearing military "fatigue-type clothing," walked into the college building and made threats, police said. The man appeared to be in his 40's and was not a student, Richmond Police Major Steve Drew said. The man was detained on the second floor of the building.
"There were no shots fired. There was never an active shooter situation here on this campus," police spokesman James Mercante confirmed.
SWAT teams entered the building after the man was taken into custody to make sure no one was injured and to make sure there were no other suspects inside. Because police were wearing different types of uniforms, some students were unsure whether the men with guns were law enforcement or a second suspect.
SWAT team search and clear classrooms J Sargent Reynolds Community College
"We don't want to stop on the second floor even in the individual we got information about was detained," Major Drew said. "We're going to search the rest of that building because our number one priority is to make sure the students are safe.
Detective removed the suspect from campus to question him at police headquarters. Major Drew said the man appeared to be cooperating with police.
Students who were inside the building when is was locked down said they hid under tables for more than two hours while police searched the building.
"Here's a photo of my class in hiding," one student said. "A bit later the SWAT teams cleared each classroom and had us leave immediately. SWAT teams on each floor guarded us."
The downtown campus is located at 700 E Jackson Street in Richmond.
