Man pulls gun on 2 students, prompting lockdown at Monmouth U., police say

UPDATE: Monmouth University football player’s fake gun led to campus lockdown, cops say

WEST LONG BRANCH — Students at Monmouth University were ordered to shelter in place Tuesday night after authorities say a man pulled a gun on two students and demanded their cell phones.

Monmouth University Police Department sent the notification to students and faculty via email just before 10 p.m.

"An incident has taken place, man seen with a gun, requiring you to immediately shelter in place if you are on campus. Please stay indoors and await further instructions. You will be advised of what actions to take," the university said in an email.

At about 10:30 p.m., the university posted a message on Twitter stating that the suspect was apprehended, though the lockdown continued while police searched for evidence. Around midnight, the school said the lockdown had been lifted. Classes were on a normal schedule Wednesday.

Monmouth University Police Chief William McElrath said in a statement that the incident occurred at about 8:20 p.m. The chief said two students reported that a black male, approximately 6 feet, 3 inches tall, wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and a stocking mask on his face approached them.

The students say the man, who was also wearing a backpack, "pulled a handgun and demanded their cell phones."

"The girls turned and fled the scene. The suspect fled through the tunnel to the northside," the chief said.

Campus police were continuing the lockdown as of about 10:45 p.m., so that authorities could continue to search the area.The chief also said in his statement that students who were not at the university during the lockdown should "remain off campus until further notice."

Police have not yet released the name of the suspected who was apprehended or any possible charges.

Toniann Antonelli is a social content producer for NJ 101.5. She can be reached at toniann.antonelli@townsquaremedia.com, or on Twitter @ToniRadio1015.