The Virginia State University community is processing a traumatic event after a shooting incident early Saturday morning. The campus lockdown that followed has been lifted, but the investigation is far from over. The suspect, Camron Harris was apprehended hours after the shooting, shedding some light on the chaotic events that unfolded.
The incident, which occurred near the Quad Annexes on Boisseau Street involved multiple suspects and left five individuals wounded. The Chesterfield County Police Department led the investigation, with assistance from various agencies, including the Virginia State University Police the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office.
The Arrest of Camron Harris
The suspect, Camron Harris a 19-year-old from Henrico, Virginia was found hiding in a closet in Seward Hall a residence hall on the university’s campus. Harris was arrested at about 4 p.m., more than 12 hours after the shooting was reported. He is not a student at the university, which is located in Ettrick, Virginia.
Harris was taken to the Chesterfield County Jail where police obtained eight felony warrants against him. These include four charges for malicious wounding and four for the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. Harris is being held without bond as the investigation continues.
The Victims and the Aftermath
The shooting occurred outside the university residence halls shortly before 1:30 a.m. Saturday, prompting a lockdown that was later lifted. Among the victims was a 20-year-old VSU student who sustained non-life-threatening injuries and has since been released from the hospital. The other four victims are not students at the school.
One of the victims, a 21-year-old man, was initially listed as having life-threatening injuries but was later upgraded to critical condition. The other victims included a 23-year-old man, a 19-year-old woman, and a 17-year-old. The university has assured the community that there will be an increased police presence on campus as the investigation continues.
The university has urged students to monitor their VSU email for additional safety measures and information about available support resources. A significant law enforcement presence remains on campus while the investigation continues.
Reactions from Officials
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger expressed her concerns and prayers for the victims and the VSU community. She thanked the first responders and law enforcement for their prompt action. Similarly, Sen. Mark Warner expressed his heartbreak over the incident, stating it was devastating to see another Virginia campus harmed by gun violence.
The university has emphasized that the safety and well-being of its students remain its highest priority. They have urged the community to continue to avoid the area and follow all law enforcement instructions while the investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information related to the shooting is urged to contact the Chesterfield County Police at 804-748-1251, Crime Solvers at 804-748-0660, or VSU Police at 804-524-5411.
