Harvard University lifted its shelter-in-place order Tuesday after authorities apprehended a man accused of brandishing an edged weapon near campus. The incident occurred in Harvard Square on Tuesday morning.
Cambridge Police Department confirmed that the suspect was taken into custody by Massachusetts State Police. No injuries were reported during the incident. The man allegedly brandished the weapon at a coffee shop shortly after 8:45 a.m., according to police. Initial local media reports suggesting the weapon was a machete were later clarified by authorities.
Cambridge and state police officers conducted a search of the area around John F. Kennedy Memorial Park for nearly an hour before the Harvard University Police Department (HUPD) issued its emergency alert. The alert stated the suspect was involved in an aggravated assault and battery. The shelter-in-place order was eventually rescinded.
The suspect faces charges including assault by means of a dangerous weapon and disorderly conduct, according to police communications director Jennie Lopez. Both state police and campus police referred inquiries to the Cambridge Police Department.