Cornell Police published a crime alert on Nov. 1 at 11:12 a.m. reporting the sighting of an individual displaying a pistol near campus at 9:44 a.m.
The incident occurred in the 500 to 600 block of University Avenue near a couple of fraternity houses, the Redbud Cooperative house, the Cornell Veterans House and the Roitman Chabad Center. The Sun verified that there was no known direct threat to the center or the surrounding buildings.
The suspect was described as a college-aged, Asian male wearing all black clothing, including a hoodie. He was reported to be holding a semi-automatic style handgun, according to an Ithaca Police Department press release. The suspect reportedly left in an unknown direction. CUPD and IPD are still investigating the incident in the area, and Tompkins County Sheriff Deputies and the New York State Police also assisted in the investigation.
“Cornell and Ithaca City Police arrived on the scene and actively searched for the suspect. The search has been completed and the report is unfounded at this time,” the report said. “Police are still investigating and remain in the area. … Do not approach.”
The CUPD report encouraged community members to report suspicious activity to Public Safety Communications at 607-255-111 or 911. IPD has asked members of the public who were in the area at the time of the report to contact the Ithaca Police.
Update Nov. 1, 4:40 p.m.: This story has been updated to include more information on the filed report as provided in an Ithaca Police Department press release.