Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) in Lincoln went into lockdown on Thursday afternoon after reports of an armed man on campus. Police received a call about a suspect carrying a knife who had caused a disturbance on a Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) bus. Witnesses saw him enter the CCRI Lincoln campus, which led authorities to take immediate action.
Law enforcement searches campus and takes the suspect into custody
Rhode Island State Police, Lincoln police, and campus security launched a thorough search of the school grounds. They quickly identified the suspect as 48-year-old Junior Sage from Woonsocket. He matched witness descriptions and was taken into custody outside the main building. His presence on campus raised concerns, and police worked to determine the extent of the threat.
Police discover knives and an airsoft pistol
After his arrest, police searched Sage’s backpack and found two small pocket knives. They also discovered an airsoft-style pistol, which closely resembles a real firearm but shoots plastic pellets. The presence of these weapons heightened fears, as authorities initially did not know whether the gun was real or fake. Further investigation is underway to determine if the suspect had any other dangerous items.
Suspect had no connection to the college
Authorities confirmed that Sage is not a student at CCRI and has no known affiliation with the school. His reason for being on campus remains unknown. Investigators are working to piece together his movements before his arrest. The situation has raised concerns about campus security and how such incidents can be prevented in the future.
Incident started with a disturbance on a RIPTA bus before escalating
Before the lockdown at CCRI, Sage was involved in a separate incident on a RIPTA bus. Witnesses said he caused a major disturbance and threatened passengers. Some claimed he said he had a gun and would shoot. His alarming behavior led passengers to contact authorities, which eventually led to his arrest on campus. Police are reviewing surveillance footage from the bus to understand the full sequence of events.
Lockdown lifted after suspect’s arrest
The lockdown at CCRI was put in place shortly after noon as a precaution. Students and staff were ordered to shelter in place while authorities conducted their search. The lockdown remained in effect for over an hour. At around 1:30 p.m., officials announced through a Facebook post that it had been lifted. Normal activities resumed, and the campus was deemed safe.
Police later confirmed that Sage was already on probation for a previous arrest. His latest actions have resulted in another arrest, and investigators are looking into potential additional charges. Authorities are also examining whether his probation status will affect the legal consequences he now faces. The case remains under investigation, with police urging anyone with further information to come forward.
