Campus not in danger, man only wanted for questioning
University of Texas Pan American officials issued an alert after a man left the scene of nearby domestic disturbance with an AK-47.
It all happened off campus at an apartment complex at 1521 W. McIntyre St. around 12 p.m. Tuesday.
Investigators told Action 4 News that a man and a woman got into a fight and that the man left on foot with several items belonging to him.
Edinburg Police Lt. Oscar Treviño said the man had among those belongings an AK-47 rifle, which was locked inside a case.
Treviño said investigators do not believe that the man intends to use the weapon but added that he’s only wanted for questioning in the domestic disturbance.
The incident prompted UTPA officials to issue an alert on via Facebook and text message.
UTPA officials identified the suspect as George Olivarez, a Hispanic Male, 23 years old, last seen wearing a black shirt, blue jeans, and black boots carrying a black suitcase.
Olivarez is not a UTPA student or staff member and did not appear to have a previous criminal history.
UTPA Police Chief Roger Stearns spoke to Action 4 News about the incident.
Chief Stearns said the school was not placed under lockdown because there was no proof Olivarez was on campus.
He said officials sent out the Bronc Alert as a precaution because the school is required by federal law to inform students and staff about any public safety risks ranging from severe weather to threats.
"We felt it was prudent to let our student's know that there was an armed suspect in the area," Chief Stearns said.
Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to call the UTPA Police Department at (956) 665-7151 or Edinburg Police Department at (956) 383-7411.
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