A suspect has been taken into custody after a shooting at the University of Virginia left three football team members dead.
Authorities identified the suspect as Christopher Darnell Jones Jr., a student at the University of Charlottesville.
On Sunday night, gunshots rang out in the parking lot of a bus full of students returning from Washington, D.C., killing three and injuring two others.
University President Jim Ryan said one of the injured students is in critical condition, while the other is doing well at a local hospital.
When Mr Ryan and local law enforcement learned that Jones had been captured, they were holding a late-night news conference.
University Police Chief Timothy Longo Sr. said officials initially had “reason to believe” that the shooter was no longer on campus, and urged the public to call 911 immediately if they saw him or the black SUV believed to be driving him.
However, after hearing Jones’ arrest, Chief Longo said: “Give me a moment to thank God and breathe a sigh of relief.”
A multi-agency manhunt against Jones, described as “armed and dangerous”, lasted 13 hours and students on campus were warned to take shelter in place.
Photo: Associated Press
Jones was listed as a football player on the university’s athletic website in 2018, the first year he didn’t play in any games.
The victim’s name has not been released.
“As of this writing, I am saddened to report that the shooting has resulted in three deaths; two other victims were injured and are receiving medical attention,” Ryan confirmed.
“This is a message any leader hopes never has to send, and I am appalled by the violence at the University of Virginia. This is a traumatic event for everyone in our community.”
Following the incident, classes at the 25,000-student university were canceled on Monday and support was provided for students and staff.
Photo: Associated Press
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