By: Richard L. Smith
Shortly before 3 a.m. on Thursday, Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison announced that police had concluded a four-hour search for a potentially armed individual.
Florham Park Police ordered a shelter-in-place late Wednesday night at Fairleigh Dickinson University's Florham Campus as police searched for an individual potentially armed with a firearm.
Students and staff were urged to stay indoors and away from windows and doors.
"If outside, find shelter immediately," read an urgent message shared on the university's social media platforms around 11:30 p.m.
Authorities were actively searching the area near the campus for a suspect believed to be in possession of a handgun.
Initial reports described the individual as a 19-year-old male driving a blue 2011 Honda Accord with New Jersey registration B83UMF. The individual is reportedly wanted in connection with threats made at the university, which authorities categorized as "terroristic."
As a precautionary measure, the university announced that both its Florham and Metropolitan campuses would transition to remote operations on Thursday.
All on-campus activities at the Florham Campus were canceled, though essential personnel were expected to remain on-site.
The situation prompted a swift and coordinated response from local law enforcement, including the Florham Park Police Department.
Officials have yet to release further details about the suspect or confirm whether the individual has been apprehended.
University officials emphasized their commitment to student and staff safety and advised the community to remain vigilant while the investigation continues.