INCIDENT: Aggravated Assault (Weapon Pointing)
OCCURRED: September 29, 2026/ Approximately 9:24 a.m.
LOCATION: Union Drive at Alumni Drive, College Park, Maryland 20742
UMPD CASE #: 2026-261877
BRIEF DETAILS:
On September 29, 2026, at approximately 9:24 a.m., the University of Maryland Police Department (UMPD), Emergency Communications Center (ECC) received a transfer call from the Prince George’s County, Public Safety Communications about a person operating a white Dodge van in an aggressive manner, on campus. The driver was wearing a facemask and waving what appeared to be a weapon. UMPD’s ECC also received additional calls about the incident.
Officers located the vehicle on Union Drive and Alumni Drive and stopped it. The driver was detained and officers found a weapon, which was later verified to be a white gaming rifle that is used for video games.
After verifying the information that was initially reported to police and determining that there was no immediate threat to the campus community as the suspect was taken into custody, UMD texts alerts were not issued.
Officers followed up with multiple witnesses and victims as it pertains to the investigation. Anyone with any information related to this incident, please contact UMPD at 301-405-3555. Individuals wishing to remain anonymous may email https://umpd.umd.edu/contact-us/submit-tip
We would like to take this moment and thank our community for calling police when they did. And, we remind our community, when you see suspicious behavior and/or activity, or anything that is of concern, please contact police immediately.
You can call us at 301-405-3333 or #3333 from a mobile phone (AT&T and Verizon Wireless) / 911. You can also call or text us through the UMD Guardian app.
Our Security Operations Center (SOC) conducted an emergency review of the cameras on campus. The suspect vehicle entered campus via North Gate (Baltimore Avenue and Campus Drive) and drove west on Campus Drive, past Edward St. John, where the driver held out the window the white gaming rifle, and eventually stopped on Union Drive at Alumni Drive, where police detained him.
The suspect was taken into custody and is currently being processed. Suspect information and charges will be released later today. That information will be made available on our UMPD News site.
The University of Maryland Police Department is actively investigating this incident. When available for release, additional information may be obtained by accessing UMPD News.
Safety Tips:
Trust your instincts. They are a natural gift that tells you when something is wrong.
If you observe suspicious activity or behavior, contact the police immediately by calling 911 or 301-405-3333.
The University of Maryland Police Department provides a walking escort service for anyone who feels unsafe when walking on or near campus. If you would like a walking escort, please call to request one at 301-405-3555. You may also use a blue light emergency phone to call for an escort.
See Something, Say Something!
Be Smart, Be Safe!
Safety Resources:
University of Maryland Police Department
Emergency Number - 301-405-3333 / #3333 from a mobile phone (AT&T and Verizon Wireless) / 911
Non-Emergency Number - 301-405-3555
Prince George's County Police Department
Emergency Number - 911
Non-Emergency Number - 301-352-1200
Office of Emergency Management and Business Continuity
https://prepare.umd.edu/ for quick access to phone numbers and emergency guide
UMD Guardian (Mobile Campus Safety App)
https://umpdnews.umd.edu/download-umd-guardian-app-today
UMD Police Walking Escort
301-405-3555
NITE Ride
301-314-3687
https://transportation.umd.edu/shuttle-um/nite-ride
ADA/504 Coordinator
301-405-2841
https://accessibility.umd.edu/
Bias Incident Support Services
301-405-0980