Thursday - December 08, 2011

Oh No Not Again

UPDATE: Shooter was not a student, wasn’t the driver of the car either

Authorities investigating the deadly shooting Thursday at Virginia Tech say there is no apparent connection between the still-unidentified gunman—who apparently took his own life—and his victim, a 39-year-old campus police officer and father of five.

The male suspect shot and killed Virginia Tech police officer Deriek Crouse in a parking lot Thursday afternoon before killing himself with the same handgun about a half-mile away, school officials said during a press conference Friday.

Crouse was killed after pulling over a Virginia Tech student in a traffic stop at around 12:15 p.m. Authorities said the gunman—who was not involved in the traffic stop—walked into the parking lot adjacent to the Cassell Coliseum and ambushed the officer. Crouse was unable to return fire, according to officials.

Virginia State Police spokeswoman Corinne Geller said authorities are “very confident” they know the identity of the shooter but are waiting to release his name until his next-of-kin is notified. They believe he acted alone.

Geller would not comment on whether the assailant had any known criminal record or history of mental illness.

She said the motive in the shooting is still under investigation. She also would not confirm reports that the shooter stole a vehicle in Ratford, Va., before driving to the Virginia Tech campus in Leesburg.

“We have not made an absolute connection that he stole the vehicle,” Geller said. 

Larry Hincker, Virginia Tech’s associate vice president of university relations, confirmed that the suspect was not a student at the school.

A police officer has been shot and killed on Virginia Tech’s campus during a routine traffic stop, according to the university. A second victim was found dead at another campus parking lot. The suspect is described as a white male wearing a maroon hoodie, and his whereabouts are currently unknown. The shootings occurred shortly after noon.

Students are asked to stay indoors for now as hundreds of police officers are searching and securing campus buildings and public areas. Area K-12 schools were on lockdown, but are now releasing students.

“We’re looking absolutely everywhere for the person who fits the description,” Mark Owczarski, Virginia Tech spokesman, said at a mid afternoon press conference. Students are not in class today because exams were set for tomorrow, he said. Those exams are now postponed. “It’s a very tragic day.”

The whereabouts of the gunman remains unknown. The suspect, according to an earlier posting on the school’s website, is described as a white male wearing gray sweatpants and a gray hat with a neon green brim.

University officials have scheduled a 4:30 p.m. media briefing.

“Several law enforcement agencies have responded to assist,” read a posting on the school’s website. “Virginia State Police has been requested to take lead in the investigation.”

Messages seeking comment from school officials were not immediately returned.

“There is an active campus alert in Blacksburg,” read a notice on the school’s website. “Everyone should seek shelter or stay where you are. Blacksburg Transit service is suspended until the alert is lifted.”

More details as they emerge.

Posted by Drew458     on 12/08/2011 at 04:26 PM   
Filed Under: • Colleges-Professors • Crime •  
• Comments (8) • Trackbacks(0)  Permalink •  

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