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Starbucks was closed

Though there were a few stores closed and the walking traffic wasn't as great, citizens and students felt safe enough to venture out to downtown stores despite warnings from the police to stay inside for their own protection.  Several were in their cars and seemed to be trying to get a look at what was going on.

"We got bored and wanted to get out," said Julie Thompson, a freshman from Columbus, Ohio.  "We figured we go downtown - because there was a big police presence - and get something to eat, so we felt pretty safe."

"We took precautions," said Emma Alter a freshman from Mechanicsville, Virginia.  "We went to an area where there were a lot of people and there are a lot of police out and about, we figured he would want to stay away from an area where he might be noticed."

A lot of people thought the same way because of the suspect's ties to the Blacksburg area. He worked downtown at one of the bars and was a frequent visitor as well before his incarceration. Staying away from areas with a high police frequency that yielded the chance to be seen was something most figured he wanted to do.

Some businesses closed, while for others it was business as usual. Several stores stayed open including Sharkey's, a popular student hangout but again precautions were taken to make sure everyone was safe.

"I just kept an eye on the door like I usually do when someone comes in," said Brandon Ratliff manager and bartender at the corner bar and restaurant.  "If he would have come this way we would have not approached him and let the proper authorities know."

Being as well-known as he was made a lot of people more comfortable.  Even though he is portrayed as a dangerous criminal in the media, people who knew him or knew of him had a different view.

"He knew us, so - to us - we thought he was never a threat," said Luanda Deolivira, a local hair dresser.  "If he would have came in here before I knew what was going on I would have been like, hey I haven't seen you in a while what have you been up too, of course knowing what I do now that might have been different."

Most people felt pretty safe with the police presence in the Blacksburg area.  They took precautions for their safety, but felt living their normal life was the best way to go.  The students were grateful for their day off from classes, but after the apprehension of the suspect today it will be business as usual in Blacksburg - including classes.