SYRACUSE, N.Y. — A Cornell University student was arrested Saturday at Syracuse University after police found him carrying a firearm, authorities said.
Mateu Healey-Parera, a member of Cornell’s College of Art, Architecture and Planning, was taken into custody at approximately 4 p.m. at the Schine Student Center while waiting for a bus back to Ithaca, according to the Syracuse Police Department.
Police said Healey-Parera possessed a bolt-action rifle, along with 40 rounds of ammunition. He was charged with criminal possession of a weapon on school grounds, a felony under New York State law.
Healey-Parera, who is from Mansfield Center, Connecticut, was arraigned Sunday morning. His bail was set at $50,000 cash or $100,000 bond.
Syracuse Police Chief Mark Rusin said the investigation is ongoing, including the reasons behind the purchase of the rifle and Healey-Parera’s travel between Syracuse and Ithaca. Authorities are also working with Cornell University’s Department of Public Safety.
An extreme risk protection order was secured by Syracuse University Police, the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office, and the Tompkins County District Attorney’s Office, which included a search provision for Healey-Parera’s residence.
In a statement to the Cornell community, Vice President for University Relations Kyle Kimball confirmed Healey-Parera’s status as a Cornell student and thanked Syracuse University police for their swift action. He expressed concern for the Syracuse University community and encouraged those affected to access university support resources.
Police emphasized there is no ongoing threat to the public. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Syracuse Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division.
Students and employees at Cornell seeking support can reach out to various university services, including Counseling and Psychological Services and Student Support and Advocacy Services.
