VALDOSTA — Authorities are on the lookout for a Valdosta State University student protester they now consider to be armed and dangerous.

Eric Sheppard is the student who led a protest on campus Friday that included walking on an American flag.

VSU released a statement late Tuesday that said, “At Odum Library at approximately 2:45 p.m., VSU Police were performing extra patrols as part of extra security in light of recent protests at the university. VSU police officers located a backpack on university property and inside the backpack a handgun was found.”

The authorities said they found what they called “unmistakable evidence” linking the gun to Sheppard.

According to the press release, a judge issued an arrest warrant for Sheppard, but after an extensive search authorities issued a campus alert saying they considered him to be armed and dangerous, asking for the public’s help in locating him.

VSU officials said they believe Sheppard had left the campus and had gone into hiding.  

Anyone with knowledge of his whereabouts is encouraged to contact University Police at 229-333-7816 or call 911.    

Sheppard has been a part of a media firestorm since last Friday when former Air Force trainer and Playboy model Michelle Manhart showed up at a campus protest and seized the flag Sheppard had been walking on.

At the time, Manhart was taken into custody but not charged in the incident, after Sheppard said he did not want to press charges.

Since that time, Sheppard has continued his protests on campus.

Tuesday, campus police responded again after a 911 caller said two men on campus were issuing “terroristic threats.”

Valdosta State University Police Department officer Matthew Rudisail, arrived on campus and found Sheppard and Eric Cureton, who fit the description provided by the caller.

When questioned, Sheppard denied any account of terroristic threats.

The three-person interaction drew a crowd reminiscent of — but not nearly as large as — Monday’s demonstration and counter-demonstration, with students pulling out their cell phones and recording the event.

While Sheppard appeared calm yet defiant, Cureton, seemed frustrated.

“I’ve done nothing on campus, ever.” Cureton said. “Welcome to Valdosta University.”

In stark contrast to Sheppard’s calm–but–bracing demeanor, Cureton grew more emotional.

“I’m from here,” Cureton said. “This is my city. I don’t need this.

“This is not what I planned today.”

Cureton later apologized for his emotional exhibition.

The group closest to Sheppard said they had concerns over what they called “perpetuated racial stereotypes — that the police pulled over two young black males who did nothing wrong.”

Officer Rudisail said he had no choice but to investigate the call.

“We can’t sit by idly and not investigate,” Rudisail said.

Cureton later said that the entire situation resulted from a big misunderstanding. He was afraid for his friend, he said.

“I had heard rumors of a violent attack against E.J.,” Cureton said, “and I was walking with him to try and diffuse the situation.”

Cureton said he wanted to try to get Sheppard to stop demonstrating.

After having a private word with them, Officer Rudisail let Sheppard and Cureton go.

The men walked away, first together, then separate.

Following the incident, authorities said the backpack was located, linked to Sheppard, the warrant was issued and the search ensured for the suspect.

VSU officials said the campus was not put on lock down, because there was no evidence Sheppard remained on campus at the time the gun was found.