STANLY CO., N.C. — Deputies have arrested a man who falsely reported that an active shooter was on the campus of Pfeiffer University so that he could rob a nearby bank.
On Thursday around 1 p.m., officers were dispatched to the campus for an active shooter.
Police say the 911 caller claimed a gunman was shooting people on campus with multiple individuals dead.
As officers arrived on the scene, another 911 call came in from First Bank employees in Richfield who were reporting that an armed robbery had just occurred.
As the majority of law enforcement were working to secure the campus, several officers were sent to First Bank to check on employees, secure the scene, and open an investigation.
Police say no shots were fired and no bank employees were injured.
After locking down and searching the entirety of Pfeiffer campus, police determined no shooting had occurred and that the 911 call was fake.
Detectives at the scene of the bank robbery collected evidence and identified the suspect as Kelvin Wayne Simmons, 45, of Concord.
Kelvin Wayne Simmons
Detectives were also able to verify that Simmons placed the fake 911 call reporting the active shooter at Pfeiffer University.
Simmons left with an undisclosed amount of money, according to a news release.
Detectives with the Stanly County Sheriff’s Office secured warrants for Simmons and with help from the NCSBI and CMPD, were able to locate him at the Days Inn on Sunset Road in north Charlotte.
Police say Simmons was taken into custody and charged with Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon as well as Filing a False Report of Mass Violence on Educational Property.
Additionally, Simmons was charged with outstanding warrants from Cabarrus and Rowan Counties for Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon, two counts of Larceny of a Motor Vehicle, Felony Larceny, Hit and Run Causing Property Damage, and Fleeing to Elude Arrest.
