Lockdown at Rhode Island College After Suspicious Person Sighting

Classes canceled as police search for person of interest with suspected weapon

Apr. 7, 2026 at 11:09pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a black airsoft gun or pellet rifle against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the investigation into a suspicious weapon sighting on a college campus.A recent lockdown at a Rhode Island college campus underscores the heightened concerns over suspected armed individuals on school grounds.Warwick Today

The Community College of Rhode Island's Warwick campus was placed on lockdown and had classes canceled on Tuesday after a report of a suspicious man entering the surrounding woods with what appeared to be a gun. Police searched the area with K-9 units and drones but have not yet located the person of interest, though they say they have information on his identity.

Why it matters

Incidents of suspected armed individuals on school campuses have become a major concern in recent years, prompting heightened security protocols and raising questions about campus safety and emergency response procedures.

The details

According to police, the man was spotted wearing a backpack with what appeared to be the butt of a firearm sticking out. All schools in the Toll Gate area were placed on lockdown or shelter in place as authorities searched the nearby woods along Commonwealth Avenue. Police located a backpack matching the description that contained an airsoft gun and a black pellet rifle, but the person of interest has not yet been found.

  • On Tuesday morning, police were notified of the suspicious person entering the woods.
  • The lockdown at the CCRI Warwick campus lasted for several hours.

The players

Rosemary A. Costigan

President of the Community College of Rhode Island.

Warwick Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that responded to the incident and is continuing the search for the person of interest.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Out of an abundance of caution, and in coordination with the Warwick Police Department, the college implemented a lockdown while law enforcement responded.”

— Rosemary A. Costigan, President, Community College of Rhode Island

What’s next

Police say they have information on the identity of the person of interest and are continuing their search.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing concerns about campus safety and the need for robust emergency response protocols, as well as the challenges law enforcement faces in quickly locating and apprehending suspected armed individuals.