Update from UMass Police on Incident Near University Health Services Today

AMHERST, Mass. – Earlier today, police responded to a call regarding an individual threatening to harm himself near University Health Services. UMass Police, Amherst Police and the Massachusetts State Police engaged the male individual quickly and brought him into custody without incident. No one was injured and there is no ongoing threat to the community.

A handgun and ammunition were found inside the individual’s vehicle. He has been transported to an area hospital. The person is not a student, staff or faculty member at UMass Amherst.

We know that events such as this can cause general stress and anxiety. When something is bothering you, talking about it is often the first step toward feeling better. The Center For Counseling and Psychological Health offers daily informal drop-in sessions for students to share what’s on their mind, find support, and get recommendations. Find out more about ‘Let’s Talk’ sessions from CCPH.

UMass Police became involved in this matter at approximately 12:30 p.m. on Oct. 26. They were notified by the Amherst Police Department (APD) that APD was in contact with an individual who was speaking on the phone to a male who was threatening to harm himself; the person said he was on campus near University Health Services (UHS). UMPD officers responded to the area near UHS and searched, but then determined the individual was allegedly off campus at a location in North Amherst.

UMPD officers continued to stay near UHS to protect the campus community. APD then advised they were following the individual toward campus as he was driving south down North Pleasant Street at the roundabout with Eastman Lane. As the vehicle continued south on North Pleasant Street, UMPD issued an emergency text and email alert to the campus at approximately 12:40 p.m., advising the campus community to shelter in place. The individual then turned on to Thatcher Way near UHS.

UMPD officers were already in place near UHS and with the assistance of APD and the State Police engaged quickly to bring the person into custody. As soon as the scene was secure, at approximately 12:47 p.m., UMPD issued an “all clear” text and email message to the campus community.

This appears to be an isolated incident involving an attempt at self-harm. We are grateful for the immediate action of the Amherst Police and our UMPD officers, and for the systems we have in place to alert the community to keep you safe from harm.