Suspect arrested after Virginia State University shooting leaves 5 wounded, police say
A 19-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a shooting at Virginia State University that injured five people early Saturday, including one who remains in critical condition.
Chesterfield County police said Camron Harris of Henrico, Virginia, was found hiding in a closet inside Seward Hall, a campus residence hall, around 4 p.m. Saturday. His arrest came more than 12 hours after the shooting was reported. Harris is not a student at the university.
Harris was taken to the Chesterfield County Jail, where authorities obtained eight felony warrants against him. The charges include four counts of malicious wounding and four counts of using a firearm in the commission of a felony. He is being held without bond.
The shooting happened shortly before 1:30 a.m. outside the university's residence halls, prompting officials to place the campus under lockdown. The lockdown was later lifted, although police maintained a significant presence as investigators processed the scene.
A 20-year-old Virginia State student was among those wounded. The student suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was released from the hospital. The other four victims are not affiliated with the university, police said.
A 21-year-old man who was initially reported to have life-threatening injuries was later upgraded to critical condition. The remaining victims were identified as a 23-year-old man, a 19-year-old woman and a 17-year-old.
The university said additional police officers would remain on campus while the investigation continues. Students were urged to monitor their university email for updated safety information and available support services.
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger expressed support for those injured and the broader university community, while thanking first responders and law enforcement officers who responded to the shooting.
Sen. Mark Warner also expressed concern for the victims and the Virginia State community, calling the shooting another devastating instance of gun violence affecting a Virginia campus.
Chesterfield County police are leading the investigation with assistance from Virginia State University Police, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Hanover County Sheriff's Office.
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