‘After-action review’ to be conducted after lockdowns on CCRI campuses
LINCOLN, R.I. (WLNE) — Community College of Rhode Island students were still shaken a day after lockdowns on multiple campuses.
The man police said was responsible for causing a lockdown at the Lincoln campus, 48-year-old Junior Sage, faced a judge Friday.
He faced charges of possession of a firearm by persons prohibited, carrying a pistol without a license or permit, three counts of felony assault, disorderly conduct, and obstructing a police officer in the execution of their duty.
Sage was was arrested and was allegedly found to be carrying an “airsoft-style pistol and two small pocket knives” on the Lincoln campus after an “altercation” on a Rhode Island Public Transportation Authority bus.
Adding to the confusion, an initial message indicated there was a lockdown at the Warwick campus, not in Lincoln.
The Warwick Police Department later clarified that the response was precautionary and the incident was always on the Lincoln campus.
After Sage’s arrest students were alerted the suspect was in custody, and normal operations resumed on campus after a final search.
In a message sent by Interim President Rosemary Costigan, the school said that CCRI campus police would be conducting an “independent after-action review” alongside Rhode Island State Police and the Lincoln Police Department.
“Once complete, the recommendations will be shared with the college community and the Council on Postsecondary Education,” Costigan said.
A judge ordered Sage to undergo a mental health evaluation and stay away from CCRI’s campus.
Police added that Sage had multiple prior charges, including domestic violence charges in Woonsocket, gun charges in Lincoln, and drug charges in providence.
Sage is expected back in court in June.
Costigan’s full statement can be read below:
Dear faculty, staff, and students,
The safety and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff remains our highest priority. Following the incident at our Lincoln Campus yesterday, I have requested the Rhode Island State Police to lead an independent after-action review to assess our existing public safety and communication measures, and to provide recommendations, if any, to strengthen security protocols and communications across all four of our campuses.
The Rhode Island State Police will work in collaboration with the Lincoln Police Department and CCRI Campus Police to conduct this review. Once complete, the recommendations will be shared with the college community and the Council on Postsecondary Education.
I understand that this incident was deeply unsettling for many in our community, and I want to acknowledge the concern and anxiety it may have caused. I am incredibly grateful for the swift response and coordination among the Lincoln Police Department, Rhode Island State Police, and CCRI Campus Police, whose efforts ensured the safety of our campus.
I also want to remind everyone that counseling services remain available for any student or employee in need of support. CCRI’s Counseling and Wellness Office will be open for students for regular business hours during Spring Break. Additional resources can also be found here.
In addition, CCRI provides free counseling and mental health resources for students through TELUS Health. Students can access this service 24/7 by calling 1-866-743-7732 or accessing the app here.
Employees may access assistance through the Employee Assistance Program website or by calling 1-866-987-3705. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you need support.
We are committed to learning from this incident and strengthening our emergency preparedness. Thank you for your continued dedication to fostering a safe and supportive campus environment.
Sincerely,
Rosemary A. Costigan, Ph.D., RN
Interim President
