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Man Never Seen Carrying Gun At IUPUI Campus

Last updated on Wednesday, March 20, 2013

(INDIANAPOLIS) - New details are being revealed about the situation that put IUPUI on high alert for more than four hours Tuesday.

Police told FOX59 that the woman who made the initial report now says she saw the long gun in the trunk of the man's car.

IUPUI police say there are no reports of a man ever carrying a gun around campus, but they stand behind their actions.

It's was around 12:30 Tuesday afternoon when a woman walking in a parking lot near the dental school that she saw a tall man with a long coat and a rifle or shotgun in the trunk of his car.

After she saw the gun, police say she ducked down and called 911.

Moments later, police converged on the area, but found nothing.

Officers interviewed the woman and began investigating.

Shortly after that, another report of a man with a long coat came in to officers, but Captain Bill Abston told FOX59 that he did not recall the report stating that the suspect was carrying a gun.

As campus police along with Indianapolis Metro and State Police searched buildings for the suspect, students, staff and teachers were put on alert.

Buildings were locked and students were advised to seek shelter inside if they were on campus.

Those that were traveling to IUPUI were told to stay away until police cleared the campus of the threat.

IUPUI notified those of the situation by phone, text messages, emails and by social media.

Some students told FOX59 there was some confusion as to what they could do and if they could leave the buildings, but others said they believed the university and police did a good job of handling the situation quickly.

"I think there was really quick response by the officials to get everybody locked down into certain areas where there were no windows and they locked everybody inside so there was no access from the outside. I think they did a really good job. Whether the reports were real or false, it's just a wake up call to everyone that you got to be safe," said IUPUI Junior, Gregory Femefiom.

After an intense search police gave the all clear never finding the suspect.

Captain Bill Abston said people at IUPUI are told to call 911 if they see anything suspicious or witness a crime.

Police are still investigating.

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