Police apprehended a 19-year-old individual discovered hiding in a dormitory closet at Virginia State University over the weekend in connection with a shooting incident on campus that resulted in five individuals being wounded, with one sustaining critical injuries. Camron Harris, a resident of Henrico, Va., is not enrolled as a student at the university, and neither were four of the individuals injured, as confirmed by Chesterfield County Police. The injured individuals, aged between 17 and 23, included one 20-year-old student who has since been discharged from the hospital. The identities of the victims have not been disclosed.
Law enforcement has not disclosed a potential motive for the incident. Harris faces eight felony warrants, including charges for malicious wounding and using a firearm during a felony. It remains unknown whether he has legal representation.
Initial reports from the university suggested that multiple suspects were being sought, although no further details were provided by the police on Saturday. Authorities had earlier stated that there was no immediate threat to the campus community, leading to the lifting of the campus lockdown.
The shooting occurred shortly after 1:30 a.m. on Saturday, triggering a campus-wide lockdown as students were preparing for the upcoming academic year. The incident unfolded in close proximity to the university’s Quad Annexes, where law enforcement officers found five gunshot victims outside the dormitories.
Despite the unfortunate event, the university is preparing to resume classes on Monday, with residence halls having opened just a week ago. The “New Trojans Experience” for new students had recently concluded. University officials emphasized the top priority of ensuring the safety and well-being of all students amidst the distress caused by the incident.
Virginia State University, a historically Black institution located in Ettrick, Va., approximately 40 kilometers south of Richmond, the state capital, boasts a student population of around 5,700. The university, which primarily serves undergraduate students, has seen growth in recent years while focusing on enhancing safety measures and preserving its historical significance.
Arthur Fridrich, the university’s former director of distance education, expressed deep sorrow over the shooting, particularly as it coincided with the commencement of a new academic year. He highlighted the profound impact such events have on the student body and community, emphasizing the need for healing and resilience among those affected.