Officer focused on victims after arresting gunman inside UNCC classroom

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — We are hearing many stories of the brave, life-saving actions that kept people out of harm's way as a gunman opened fire inside a UNC Charlotte classroom Tuesday, killing two and injuring four students.

Eyewitness News anchor Allison Latos heard from the first officers on the scene, who said they've been prepared for something like this for years.

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Sgt. Rick Gundacker and Lt. Sarah Smyre patrol the campus every day and said they knew exactly what to do during Tuesday’s shooting.

Gundacker told Latos he was oddly calm when he heard the call about a gunman on campus and that shots were fired inside the Kennedy building.

He said he ran inside, passing students who were fleeing for their lives.

“Once I had him in custody, I needed to help the victims,” Gundacker said.

He would not go into details about what happened after that but said, “a lot of good things went on in that classroom.”

Gundacker said his message to students is to stay strong and stay together.

Cox Media Group