Virginia State Shooting Suspect Found Hiding, Arrested
Virginia State Shooting Suspect Found Hiding In Dorm Closet & Arrested
A 19-year-old who was found hiding in a dorm room closet at Virginia State University on Saturday was arrested in connection with the campus shooting that left some five people wounded.
According to the Associated Press, Camron Harris, who is not a student at the school was taken into custody and charged with the shooting that left four people, who are also not students at the school and range in age from 17 to 23 injured and currently hospitalized. One student, a 20-year-old, has been released from the hospital. None of the victims have been named.
Police noted that they have no motive for the shooting that sent people scrambling across the campus of the HBCU located about 24 miles from the state capitol of Richmond. Police said that they had eight felony warrants for Harris, including malicious wounding and the use of a firearm in commission of a felony.
Initially it was reported by several outlets that police were searching for multiple suspects, but authorities provided no additional information Saturday about the search. Police did note that after Harris’ arrest that there was no immediate threat to the campus and lifted the campus lockdown, AP reports.
The shooting, which began around 1:30 a.m. Saturday happened near the Quad Annexes as students were still settling into campus to prepare for the upcoming school year.
“According to the university’s website, residence halls opened for students a week ago, and classes resume on Monday. Many students had just completed the university’s ‘New Trojans Experience’ for incoming students, AP reports.
“We recognize the concern this incident has caused among our students, parents, alumni, friends, and the broader VSU community,” the university statement said. “The safety and well-being of our students remain our highest priority.”
There was still a strong police presence Saturday morning, and the university sent out emails informing students that they should be on the lookout for more information about support services.
“To start a new year with this event is very tragic. It casts a shadow in the minds of all students, and for some it will be difficult to rid their minds of this term,” Fridrich said. “For those that were shot, my heart bleeds. I hope that they all mend and somehow do not let this event define their lives.”
