AMERICUS, Ga. – Students and staff on Georgia Southwestern State University’s (GSW) campus today were told to shelter in place amid a safety concern.

The university said the reported concern had been fully resolved around 2 p.m.. Earlier in the day, the campus went on lockdown due to concerns of a gun being carried openly on campus. Anyone not originally on campus was instructed to not attempt to enter.

The individual involved, a non-GSW-student, was apprehended by off-campus law enforcement.

Students on campus today had mixed reactions to the incident. Some said they were scared, some not at all.

One mom drove an hour and a half to the campus just so she could see her son and make sure he was safe.

Sophomore Makyon Tolbert said he felt safe enough during the lockdown that he left his safety area.

“I left the cafeteria,” Tolbert said. “I got bored of sitting in there — which was a mistake because I came face to face with all these officers with whole bunch of ARs out. I’m grateful for my life. Shoot, anything could’ve gone south. I’m grateful to be here.”

Junior Ricardo Ruiz said he had to hide in a conference room and stay there until they were given all clear.

“Our anxiety levels were pretty off the charts. I’m just thankful for the Americus Police Department and our school police department, too. They quickly responded to the situation. I honestly feel safe being around at school and I’m confident going back to school tomorrow,” Ruiz said.

This comes just six days after a shooting on Florida State University’s campus where two died and six were injured.

Americus Police Chief Mark Scott confirmed that both the Americus Police Department and GSW Police were investigating the report. He emphasized that there was no active shooter, no shots fired and no reported injuries.

The suspect was arrested two miles away from campus near the Circle K on South Lee Street, Americus Police Chief Michael Lewis said. Officials said the suspect had a gun openly exposed on campus and ran through the Magnolia Courtyard area away from law enforcement.

Police said the suspect is now facing charges, but did not disclose specific charges. They said the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) will now handle the case.

Anyone who observes suspicious behavior is encouraged to contact GSW Campus Safety at (229) 931-2245.

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