BEAUMONT, Texas — Lamar University sent an alert Sunday at 6 p.m. asking students to shelter in place after reports of armed gunmen on campus grounds.
"I think I had gotten a phone call from LUPD and then shortly after I got an email," said LU Junior Makayla Williams.
According to Lamar University, the four individuals were spotted wearing face masks.
Earlier in the evening at around 5 p.m. the four individuals, at least one being armed with a handgun, were seen making their way into Gentry Hall.
There they entered a dorm, assaulted the resident and robbed them before fleeing according to the Lamar University Police Department.
"I got a text message when I was out with my parents and then my mom started freaking out, cause she feels like I was unsafe," said LU Freshman Riley Nuttall.
It was a frightening start to Spring Break for the students who were on campus.
"My mom had texted me asking if I was okay. I was just in the bed chillin. When that happened I got on high alert had my little taser and I was ready," said Freshman Linsie Allen.
The persons of interest were last seen getting into a silver Dodge Avenger and speeding off towards Highland Boulevard according to LUPD.
"Still under investigation. At this point there was a student who did sustain minor injury as a result of that," said LUPD Sergeant Byron Popillion.
Students were shocked to learn the assault happened inside a campus dorm and they want LUPD to beef up security.
"I feel like it's too easy to access and get inside Gentry. Even though we have like our ID's like I really don't know how they got in," Freshman Favori Ezeoka said.
Lamar Police say they have security measures in place like guards at every residence hall and sign-in procedures for guests.
"Just tell your students to be smart about their surroundings, the people they're hanging out with, if their involved in something please feel free to call us. This is what we are here for. We are here for the safety of the students first and foremost," Popillion said.
"It feels unsafe that this keeps happening over, and over again. And it happened again like last month someone just got robbed again," Nuttall said.
LUPD asks that you please contact them at 409-880-7777 if you have any further information about this incident or observe someone matching this description on Lamar University property.
LUPD is conducting an investigation at this time.
This is a developing story, we will update with more information if and when we receive it.
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This is a developing story. We will update with more if and when we receive more confirmed information.
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