Police apprehended a 19-year-old individual who was discovered hiding in a dormitory closet at Virginia State University on Saturday in connection with a shooting incident on campus that resulted in five individuals being wounded, one of whom sustained critical injuries. Camron Harris, hailing from Henrico, Va., is not affiliated with the university, and neither were four of the injured individuals, as confirmed by Chesterfield County Police. The age range of the victims was between 17 and 23, with one 20-year-old student having been discharged from the hospital. The identities of the victims have not been disclosed.
No motive has been disclosed by authorities. Harris faces eight felony warrants, including charges of malicious wounding and using a firearm during a felony. It is unclear at present whether he has legal representation.
Initial reports from the university suggested the search was ongoing for multiple suspects, but no further details were provided by the police on Saturday evening regarding the investigation. Despite earlier concerns, law enforcement determined there was no immediate danger to the campus, leading to the lifting of the lockdown that had been imposed.
The shooting occurred shortly after 1:30 a.m. on Saturday near the Quad Annexes of the university, where law enforcement found five individuals with gunshot wounds outside the dormitories. The university’s residence halls had opened a week before the incident, with classes scheduled to resume on Monday. The majority of students had recently completed the university’s “New Trojans Experience” program for new enrollees.
The safety and welfare of the students remain the top priority, according to the university’s statement, which acknowledged the distress caused by the incident among various groups associated with Virginia State University. The campus witnessed a significant law enforcement presence on Saturday morning, and students were advised to stay alert for further safety instructions and details on available support services.
Located in Ettrick, Va., approximately 40 kilometers south of Richmond, Virginia State University is a historically Black institution with around 5,700 students. The university, initially established as the first fully state-funded four-year college for Black Americans, primarily caters to undergraduates. Arthur Fridrich, the former director of distance education at the university, expressed profound sorrow over the shooting, describing it as a tragic start to the academic year that will likely leave a lasting impact on the community and students.
