Concerns over a potential pipe bomb outside Scott Hall on Saturday were resolved safely and quickly by UNC Charlotte police, housing and residence life (HRL) staffers and officers and specialists from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.
At 11 a.m., a person reported to campus police that a metal tube with end caps was lying behind the residence hall, one of the four high-rises within the South Village complex. At that time, students and parents were moving in and out of Scott and other nearby dorms as part of Move-in.
Campus police and CMPD responded promptly, evacuating Scott Hall and other nearby residence halls, relocating students, and families to the nearby parking deck, under supervisions of HRL staff. University administrators and communicators were contacted and external messages about the situation were posted through social media and media interviews.
Campus police maintained a safe perimeter around the location while CMPD specialists rendered the object safe and determined that it was not explosive in nature. After thoroughly “sweeping” Scott Hall, no other suspicious objects were found; Move-in resumed with two hours of the initial report.
“UNC Charlotte police are well trained in responding to such incidents and we maintain a very close and collaborative relationship with CMPD and with the Charlotte Fire Department and other first responders,” said Jeff Baker, director of police and public safety. “Our sworn police officers responded admirably in working with colleagues in housing, parking services, University communications and with students and parents. The process worked, safely and quickly.”
Allan Blattner, senior associate director of housing and residence life, said in an email to students, “We thank the residents of South Village and their families for their cooperation, patience and understanding during this situation, Obviously, this was not the Move-in experience we had planned for you and we appreciate your flexibility and positive attitude. We also want to commend the University staff that reported the suspicious object and then capably managed this incident under the leadership of the UNC Charlotte police, the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department and the Charlotte Fire Department. ”
When the UNC Charlotte Police and Public Safety Department verifies that a serious incident has occurred that could impact the University community, it issues an advisory to increase everyone’s awareness and safety. In the case of emergencies that represent a clear and present danger to the campus, the police work with an emergency response group comprising members from abroad range of departments including University communications, facilities management, the Chancellor’s Cabinet and many others.