Chesterfield County authorities arrested a 19-year-old man Saturday in connection with a shooting outside residence halls at Virginia State University that left five people wounded, officials said.
Arrest after hours-long search
Law enforcement identified the suspect as Camron Harris of Henrico. Authorities said Harris is not enrolled at the university. After an hours-long manhunt following the early morning shooting, police located him hiding inside a closet in one of the campus dormitory buildings and took him into custody.
Harris faces multiple felony charges. Police obtained warrants for four counts of malicious wounding and four counts of use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. He is being held without bail at the Chesterfield County Jail, and officials said additional charges are possible as the investigation continues.
Victims and campus response
Five individuals were found with gunshot wounds outside the university residence halls after officers responded to the area at approximately 1:28 a.m., according to a university official. One of the wounded was reported to be in critical condition. Police have not released the names of the victims, but said only one of those shot is a university student.
"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 university said its police force would maintain an increased presence on campus while investigators work the case. Campus officials lifted a temporary lockdown later Saturday and directed students to monitor their university email for updates on safety measures and information about support services the school is making available.
What police have confirmed so far
- Suspect: Camron Harris, 19, of Henrico (not a student).
- Victims: Five people shot; one in critical condition; only one victim identified as a student.
- Charges: Warrants for four counts of malicious wounding and four counts of using a firearm during a felony.
- Custody: Harris held without bail at Chesterfield County Jail.
Investigation and next steps
Chesterfield County police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Officials have not publicly described a motive or whether the suspect and the victims knew one another. Investigators also have not released details about evidence recovered at the scene or inside the dormitory where the suspect was found.
Authorities said they may file additional charges as the investigation develops. The university and law enforcement agencies have urged anyone with information about the incident to contact investigators.
| Known fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Time police responded | Approximately 1:28 a.m. |
| Number shot | Five |
| Suspect location | Hiding in a dorm closet |
| Detention status | Held without bail at Chesterfield County Jail |
Campus safety and community impact
The shooting and subsequent arrest prompted heightened concern among students, families and alumni. The university's message to its community emphasized safety monitoring and support, while campus police bolstered patrols to reassure students and staff. The institution said it would share ongoing updates by email, including details about safety protocols and the counseling or support resources available.
As investigators piece together what led to the shooting, the university and law enforcement face the immediate tasks of providing care for the wounded, answering the community's questions and preventing further violence. Officials have not provided a timetable for the release of additional information.
WE NEWS will continue to follow developments in the case and provide updates as officials release more details.
