Virginia State shooting suspect found hiding in campus dorm closet after shooting, wounding 5

Camron Harris of Henrico, Virginia, was identified as the suspect and arrested following an hours-long manhunt. Harris is not a VSU student and was found hiding in a dormitory closet on campus.

The shooting occurred around 1:30 am Saturday near the university’s Quad Annexes. Campus police and Chesterfield County officers responding to the scene found five people suffering from gunshot wounds outside the dormitories.

The victims ranged in age from 17 to 23. Four of those wounded were not VSU students, and one was left in critical condition. Police obtained eight felony warrants for Harris, including a count of malicious wounding and the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. A motive for the shooting has not been released.

The shooting had prompted a campus lockdown as law enforcement searched for Harris. VSU, a historically black university located about 24 miles south of Richmond, has roughly 5,700 students.

“We recognize the concern this incident has caused among our students, parents, alumni, friends, and the broader VSU community,” the university said in a statement. “The safety and well-being of our students remain our highest priority.”

"Students should monitor their VSU email for additional safety measures currently in effect and information about available support resources," the statement added.

Arthur Fridrich, the university’s former director of distance education, told the Associated Press that the shooting cast a shadow over the start of the school year.

“To start a new year with this event is very tragic. It casts a shadow in the minds of all students, and for some it will be difficult to rid their minds of this term,” Fridrich said. “For those that were shot, my heart bleeds. I hope that they all mend and somehow do not let this event define their lives.”

Harris is currently being held without bail and could face additional charges.