ETSU sent out an emergency situation alert on Wednesday afternoon, alerting the community to stay clear of the Buccaneer Ridge Apartments area after suspects of an armed robbery were believed to be nearby.
Buccaneer Ridge, also commonly referred to as Buc Ridge, is approximately a mile from ETSU’s campus. The apartment complex is an off-campus housing location owned by ETSU Housing and Residence Life.
“Stay clear of the area, remain vigilant, and report any unusual activity to Public Safety,” the first alert from ETSU read around 1 p.m.
A release from the Johnson City Police Department cited responding to an armed robbery incident at 2020 Indian Ridge Road. A United States Postal Service (UPS) employee reported being approached by two masked males while out delivering. The suspects demanded a master key to unlock all the mailboxes and displayed handguns while threatening the mail carrier.
Three male suspects were arrested after investigation: Kendrick Holland (Knoxville, TN), Michael Robinson (Knoxville, TN) and Daylan Taylor (Johnson City, TN).
Another alert was sent out at 2:05 p.m., reporting that the situation was “all clear” and students, faculty and staff were able to return as the shelter in place was lifted. The suspects are currently in custody, with both ETSU Public Safety and Johnson City Police Department responding to the incident.
In a later email sent out by ETSU President Brian Noland, he confirmed that the notice was issued related to an armed robbery that happened off campus. He thanked ETSU Public Safety and the Johnson City Police Department for their efforts.
“I would like to take a moment to thank ETSU Police Chief Cesar Gracias and our public safety teams, the Johnson City Police Department, and other emergency personnel who responded quickly and professionally to the situation and worked diligently to keep everyone safe,” Noland stated. “Suspects in the robbery have been apprehended. At this time, we have no reason to believe there is any immediate threat to campus as a result of this incident.”
Holland, Robinson, and Taylor were transported to the Washington County Detention Center and are each being held on a $50,000 bond.
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