RCCC North Campus closed until 5 pm after social media threat

Published 2:01 pm Wednesday, December 5, 2018

SALISBURY — Rowan-Cabarrus Community College’s North Campus was shut down just before noon Wednesday after a threat was posted on social media, college officials said.

Evening classes were scheduled to resume at 5 p.m. after law enforcement authorities determined it was safe to do so.

“The threat to the college’s North Campus has been addressed by the Salisbury Police Department working with campus security and the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office. At this time, we have been in communication with local authorities who have indicated that the suspect is no longer a threat to the college’s North Campus,” said Sarah Walker, a college spokeswoman.

Salisbury police officials said they do have a suspect, but that it doesn’t appear there was ever any real threat to the school.

The suspect is a student. He had been suspended for 10 days before the Wednesday incident.

“It appears that this stemmed from an argument he may have had with his ex-girlfriend and comments he may have made to other students,” said police Capt. Melonie Thompson.

School officials asked North Campus employees to communicate with their supervisors and work remotely for the rest of Wednesday. All other campus locations continued normal operations.

The college advised students and faculty to check its website at www.RCCC.edu for updates or additional closings.

Rowan County Early College was on a code yellow lockdown, which has since been lifted.