Before one could digest the news of Aurora shooting that killed 12 and injured several, University of Connecticut witnessed almost a similar event but with no firing and no casualties- a despondent man armed with a gun was sighted on the campus, Monday night.
Police have evacuated the University's Avery Point building in Groton after this unidentified man was reported on the campus.
An emergency alert was posted on the school's website at about 11:35 p.m. Monday ordering an immediate evacuation.
Early Tuesday, UConn spokeswoman Stephanie Reitz said a despondent man had crawled beneath a dock and police negotiators were talking with him. The school overlooks Long Island Sound.
She also added it is not known if the man has any connection to the university. "He doesn't appear to be a threat to others, but we want to secure his safety," she said.
Several local police departments and a state police emergency services unit were on the scene providing assistance.
In the wee hours of Tuesday, around 2 am, the officers said they had set up a perimeter around the man, who appears to be alone and confined in a small area.
She said because it is summer there were very few people on campus and classes were finished by late Monday night. The university, which offers four-year degrees in marine sciences, maritime studies and American studies, has no on-campus housing.
