Harvard University briefly issued a shelter-in-place order Friday after reports that a person on a bicycle fired shots near Sherman Street, close to Danehy Park in North Cambridge. The alert, sent to Harvard community members, urged people to avoid the area and remain indoors while police investigated.
Cambridge Police later confirmed that officers responded to a shots-fired incident and recovered ballistic evidence. No injuries were reported, and authorities said they did not believe there was an ongoing threat to public safety. The shelter-in-place alert was lifted within about an hour.
What Happened
According to initial alerts, an unidentified male on a bicycle allegedly fired at another person on Sherman Street. The suspect was believed to be heading toward Garden Street, in the direction of Harvard Square. Police activity concentrated around the Radcliffe Quad area while officers searched and secured nearby streets.
Harvard’s emergency message urged people to avoid the Quad and stay inside any building until further notice. The university later notified the community that there were no known victims and encouraged anyone with information or suspicious activity to contact campus police at 617-495-1212.
Status: No Known Injuries, No Ongoing Threat
By the time the advisory was lifted, Cambridge Police said there was no indication of a continuing risk to the public. The recovery of ballistic evidence confirmed that shots were fired, but investigators had not announced any arrests at the time of publication. Police updates indicated the situation was contained.
Where This Happened
The incident occurred on Sherman Street in the vicinity of Danehy Park, a large green space northwest of Harvard’s main campus. The area is close to the Alewife MBTA station, at the end of the Red Line. While not directly inside Harvard Yard, the location is near parts of Harvard’s extended campus, including the Radcliffe Quad and residential neighborhoods frequented by students and staff.
How Harvard Communicated
Harvard used its emergency alert system to notify students, staff, and faculty of the potential threat. The system provided immediate guidance, then followed with updates as police gathered information. This approach aims to quickly reduce risk while maintaining flexible instructions as facts develop.
What To Do During Similar Alerts
- Shelter in place: Stay inside, lock doors, and avoid windows until you receive an official all-clear.
- Avoid the area: Do not go toward the scene to take photos or videos. It can hinder responders and put you at risk.
- Follow official channels: Check university emergency pages and verified police accounts for updates.
- Report tips: If you saw or heard anything, call local police or campus police right away.
Community Response
Friday’s alert prompted concern across Cambridge and the Harvard community, especially because the description of a suspect on a bicycle can make the situation feel fluid and unpredictable. Still, the rapid lift of the advisory and confirmation of no injuries provided reassurance. Many community members praised the speed of the alerts and the coordinated response between Harvard University Police and Cambridge Police.
Why Shelter-in-Place Matters
A shelter-in-place directive is used when there is a potential threat nearby and authorities need time to investigate. It reduces foot traffic, limits exposure, and helps responders focus on the highest-risk locations. In urban campus settings, these alerts are designed to err on the side of caution, especially when a suspect’s path is uncertain.
What We Know vs. What We Don’t
- Known: Shots were fired near Sherman Street by Danehy Park; ballistic evidence was recovered.
- Known: No known victims were reported.
- Known: The shelter-in-place was lifted within roughly an hour; police do not believe there’s an ongoing threat.
- Unknown: The identity of the suspect and motive, pending further investigation.
- Unknown: Whether any arrests have been made or charges are forthcoming at the time of this report.
Safety Resources
- Harvard University Police Department (HUPD): 617-495-1212
- Cambridge Police Department Non-Emergency: 617-349-3300
- Emergency: 911
How to Stay Updated
For official updates, follow the Cambridge Police Department on social media and check Harvard’s emergency page. Local news outlets will also continue reporting as new details are confirmed by authorities.
Sources: Public updates from the Cambridge Police Department and Harvard’s emergency alert system; initial reporting by NBC Boston. For the original report, visit the NBC Boston article.
FAQs
Was anyone hurt?
No injuries were reported.
Is there still a threat?
Police said there was no believed ongoing risk after the initial response.
Where did it happen?
Sherman Street near Danehy Park in Cambridge, northwest of Harvard’s main campus.
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