3 Killed & 2 Wounded at University of Virginia, Suspect Still On the Loose

Authorities are still searching for a student gunman after three people were killed and two others sustained injuries at the University of Virginia.

As of now the school community at the college’s Charlottesville campus is asked to remain sheltered in place until the suspect is captured.

University police said the suspect, identified as Christopher Darnell Jones, should be considered “armed and dangerous” and advised students and staff to stay inside.

“Gunshots could be heard ringing through the air in the area of Culbreth Road on university grounds,” UVA police announced around 10:30 p.m.

“UVA Alert: ACTIVE ATTACKER firearm reported in area of Culbreth Road. RUN HIDE FIGHT,” the department tweeted about 10 minutes later.

University President Jim Ryan said in a statement Monday morning, “Jones is a student at our school. Multiple law enforcement agencies are coordinating to find and apprehend him. He may be driving a black SUV with Virginia plate number TWX3580.”

“As of this writing, I am heartbroken to report that the shooting has resulted in three fatalities; two additional victims were injured and are receiving medical care,” Ryan said in the message.

So far, authorities have still not released the identities of Jones’ victims or stated whether they were students or staff at the university.

“We are working closely with the families of the victims, and we will share additional details as soon as we are able,” Ryan said. “This is a message any leader hopes to never to have to send, and I am devastated that the violence has visited the University of Virginia.”

“Classes will be cancelled for Monday. I am holding the victims, their families, and all members of the University of Virginia community in my heart today, and we will make plans to come together as a community to grieve as soon as the suspect is apprehended,” he added.

Campus police issued an alert about 6:30 a.m. Monday that law enforcement is conducting a complete search on and around UVA grounds. They asked for anyone in the area to remain sheltered and in place.

The suspect was described as a black male wearing a burgundy jacket, blue jeans and red shoes.