PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — The man police said was captured on camera “in proximity” to the unidentified Brown University shooting suspect has been found and interviewed by law enforcement, Target 12 has learned.
Police don’t suspect the man was involved in the attack, saying he told them he confronted the suspected gunman outside Brown prior to the shooting, multiple sources with direct knowledge of the investigation told Target 12.
The man told police he approached the unidentified suspect and questioned what he was doing there, at which point the individual ran off, sources said.
The Providence Police Department released video surveillance on Tuesday showing the unidentified suspect running from the area roughly two hours before the shooting.
Police first disclosed on Wednesday they wanted to speak with the man who interacted with the unidentified suspect, releasing photos of the individual.
He subsequently contacted police and source said the interview has helped law enforcement better understand how the shooting unfolded. His name isn’t being disclosed at this time, source said.
Sources separately confirmed Thursday they have now identified the person of interest they are seeking, though the name of the individual had not yet been released as of midafternoon.
As Target 12 first reported Thursday, police are investigating possible ties between the Brown shooting and the slaying of a Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor on Monday.
A news briefing initially scheduled for 4 p.m. at the Providence Police Department was postponed until further notice.
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