The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Massachusetts State Police are investigating a confirmed incident of shots fired on campus at approximately 3 a.m. on October 16.

The university's Department of Public Safety immediately responded to the reported gunshots in the area of Cedar Dell – the university’s townhouse-style residence halls, but initial investigations yielded no confirmation of the incident, and attributed the sound to fireworks, said Director of Public Safety Emil Fioravanti via an email update.

By 5 p.m. the same day, witnesses came forward with physical evidence that gunshots were fired, and that the shots caused damage to three vehicles in a Cedar Dell parking lot. DPS issued a warning to address any unknown threat to the community by 9:40 p.m., said Fioravanti.

"We are thankful that nobody was injured during this incident and that there is no ongoing threat to the campus," said Fioravanti. John Hoey, of the university's Public Affairs office, added that DPS has since increased patrol in the area.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the UMass Dartmouth Department of Public Safety immediately at (508) 999-9191 or the silent witness line, (508) 999-8477. Witnesses can also fill out a confidential form at umassd.edu/publicsafety.