Missing, Possibly Armed Student Shuts Down College

Troubled sophomore not seen since taking rifle case from his parents' home
By Michael Harthorne,  Newser Staff
Posted Nov 19, 2015 5:28 PM CST
Missing, Possibly Armed Student Shuts Down College
Jacob Marberger   (Screenshot)

A Maryland college has been evacuated and students sent home early for Thanksgiving after a troubled sophomore last seen leaving his parents' home with a rifle case dropped off the grid Monday, NBC Philadelphia reports. According to WBAL, things started spiraling for Jacob Marberger, 19, early last month, when a prank left him feeling persecuted by his fellow students at Washington College. Police say Marberger then drunkenly showed off an unloaded antique firearm to a fellow student and was removed from campus pending a psychiatric evaluation. He's facing charges for that incident, and returned to campus only to be kicked out of his fraternity and face possible suspension or expulsion from school, the Baltimore Sun reports. At 3am Monday, Marberger reportedly showed up at his parents' house in Pennsylvania, leaving an hour later with a rifle case, according to NBC.

WBAL reports Washington College was evacuated Tuesday as a precaution, and it was announced Wednesday all classes would be canceled through the end of Thanksgiving break. More than 50 students who couldn't get home have been taken in by faculty and others. According to the Sun, Marberger hasn't made any threats against the school or its students. While the case Marberger took from his parents' home may or may not have a gun in it, he was seen on surveillance footage buying ammunition at a Pennsylvania Walmart later that morning, NBC reports. After that, Marberger turned off his cellphone so he couldn't be tracked. There's been no sign of him since, and a warrant has been issued for his arrest, according to the Sun. (More missing person stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X