Appalachian State on lockdown after gunman spotted near campus

BOONE (AP) — Appalachian State University officials say police are conducting a search after reports of a possible sighting of a gunman near campus.

An alert posted on the university’s Web site said a white male in a black Pink Floyd T-shirt and wearing a dark jacket and ski mask was seen near campus with a small black handgun.

The lock down issued at 5:10 p.m. applies to all campus buildings. Another alert issued about 15 minutes later canceled classes for the night.

The school urged students and staff to report any suspicious activity or persons in the area.

Earlier Monday, police arrested a man suspected of carrying a gun onto the campus of Middle Georgia College in Cochran, about 120 miles south of Atlanta. The college was placed on lockdown as authorities combed the campus room by room. It was lifted around noon and classes resumed for the day.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)