Photo: Lowell Police Department
LOWELL, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Lowell Police announced Thursday they identified the juvenile who was seen with what appeared to be an assault rifle on UMass Lowell's campus Wednesday afternoon.
Police also said the weapon, which turned out to be a replica airsoft gun, was recovered. Authorities did not identify the juvenile, and it is unclear if they will face charges.
A person was spotted brandishing the weapon around 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, prompting a massive police presence, including federal and local authorities. The campus was on lockdown for hours.
Lowell Police Superintendent Greg Hudon thanked law enforcement "for their brave response" and "investigators for their diligent investigative work that brought the closure to this incident."
"While the reported firearm in this case was ultimately determined to be an airsoft gun, our community can be certain that, as in this case, the Lowell Police Department will always utilize all available resources until the safety of all involved is assured," Hudon said in a statement.