FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — What was initially believed to be a potentially dangerous device prompted a large police and emergency response at the Good Homes Bordeaux apartments off Owen Drive. Authorities have since confirmed the item was a scientific research instrument.
Earlier in the evening, more than a dozen law enforcement officers from Fayetteville Police Department, Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, fire departments, and additional agencies responded after a maintenance worker reported concern over a device discovered inside an apartment. As a precaution, officials evacuated the building, including Uptown’s Chicken and Waffles, while the situation was assessed. Reports of the response quickly spread among residents and nearby community members.
Officials noted that while incidents like this can often turn out to be non-threatening, the device’s visible wiring and components raised concern until the resident returned home and clarified its purpose.
The device has since been identified as a custom-built environmental monitoring system belonging to David Gort, an undergraduate research student at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. Gort is also a military veteran focused on environmental research.
According to Gort, the system is a colorimetric auto titrator designed to measure ammonia levels in the air, particularly in areas impacted by large-scale poultry production in Robeson County and surrounding regions. The system captures airborne ammonia and uses a titration process combined with computer-based analysis to calculate concentration levels.
Gort, who previously served in the U.S. Army as a reconnaissance scout and Blackhawk mechanic, said the equipment was stored in a durable case and was handcrafted. He stated he understood the maintenance worker’s concern and expressed appreciation that the situation was clarified.
He also noted that his apartment unit has experienced multiple flooding incidents, which led him to develop additional equipment to help manage water issues within the space. The room may have appeared similar to a small lab, consistent with his field of study.
Gort said Fayetteville Police, along with agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, handled the situation professionally. He confirmed he was not detained and cooperated fully with authorities as they worked to determine the nature of the device.
Officials have since cleared the scene, confirming there was no threat to the public. The incident highlights both the level of caution taken by emergency responders and the presence of innovative research efforts within the local community.
WatchOut wishes Gort continued success in his studies and contributions to environmental research.
WatchOut Cumberland County NC
