Multiple people shot near Brown University in Rhode Island, police say; suspect at large

Multiple people were shot late Saturday afternoon in the area of Brown University in Rhode Island, Providence police said. The suspect is still believed to be at large. 

A university alert told students to lock doors, silence phones and stay hidden until further notice. 

In an earlier alert, the university had said a person was in custody. In an updated statement, it said a suspect had not been detained, however. 

“There is currently heavy Providence Police and Fire presence on Hope Street near Brown University,” the Providence Police Department said in a social media post. “Please exercise caution and avoid this area until further notice.”

The school’s public safety department said the initial shooting appeared to have occurred in the area of the Barus & Holley engineering building. In a follow up alert, it said that shots had also been fired near Governor Street, a few blocks away, and advised students to continue to shelter in place. 

This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates