UNCC police prepare for opening of Blue Line extension

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The LYNX Blue Line extension that runs from uptown to UNC-Charlotte will open Friday and campus police officials said they are prepared for the influx of people as concerns about violent crimes in the area escalate.

“There is a lot of concern with the amount of people coming into town with the light rail,” UNCC student Jacob Baum said.

Baum serves as a senator for the UNCC Student Government Association.

He said the light rail is opening at a time where students on campus are already worried about a series of violent crimes.

Police sent out a warning on Monday about a student who investigators say wanted to shoot up the school.

Authorities said on Friday that David Kenney sexually assaulted three women and raped a student in a four-hour period.

Earlier this month, police said a hit-and-run at a nearby Waffle House led to a shootout on campus.

“We are the 16th largest city in America and when you are that size, you do occasionally see crime,” UNCC Police Chief Jeff Baker said.

Baker and other college leaders are trying to calm nerves over the rash of crime.

He said there will be an officer on the platform whenever the train is running, in addition to the security provided by the Charlotte Area Transit System.

Baum hopes the light rail brings success and doesn't lead the school population down the wrong track.

Campus police have a direct feed and are able to monitor everything that goes on here in real time.

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