One Injured, One In Custody After Small Device Detonated At UNC’s Davie Poplar

CHAPEL HILL, NC — UNC officials say the campus is open and operating as normal after a small device was detonated at Davie Poplar in McCorkle Place Thursday afternoon.

Video Courtesy William Freeman

The explosion happened around 3:40pm. Police have not said what the device was, but say a former student is facing charges for setting it off.

The fire burned part of the famous Davie Poplar tree, which is said to be at least 300 years old. A professor was also burned by the fire and taken to the hospital with minor injuries, according to officials.

Police say they found the suspect’s car in nearby Carrboro, but did not find any other dangerous materials inside. UNC Police are still working with local law enforcement to investigate the incident.

Officials say they still don’t know why the man set off the device.