Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Members of the Wilmington Police Department SERT apprehended a federal fugitive earlier this afternoon on the campus of the University of North Carolina Wilmington. The man is not a student and apparently has no direct connection to the university. The suspect, Ronald Cole, was wanted by the FBI on numerous charges. WPD and New Hanover County Sheriff's Office have been assisting the FBI in the search.

The suspect was stopped and taken into custody without incident. Due to certain aspects of his prior history, officers believed it was important to complete a precautionary search of his vehicle to check for weapons and explosive devices. Several packages were removed from the vehicle and are being checked at this time.

As a precautionary measure, Alderman and Kenan Halls were evacuated, the parking lot and area between the two buildings was closed off during the search, and students, faculty and staff were advised to avoid the vicinity. There was no danger to the campus community at any time. An "all clear" was issued and the buildings and parking lot were reopened shortly after 4 p.m.