Virginia State University Shooting Suspect Found Hiding in Dorm Closet After Five People Injured

ETTRICK, Virginia – A 19-year-old man has been arrested after a shooting near the residence halls of Virginia State University left five people injured early Saturday morning, just days before the university was scheduled to begin its fall semester.

The suspect, Camron Harris of Henrico, Virginia, was taken into custody more than 14 hours after the shooting after police found him hiding inside a closet in a campus residence hall.

Authorities say Harris is not a student at Virginia State University.

Five People Injured

The shooting occurred shortly after 1:30 a.m. Saturday near the university’s Quad Annexes, an area containing campus housing.

When officers arrived, they found five people suffering from gunshot wounds. The victims ranged in age from 17 to 23.

One of the victims, a 20-year-old Virginia State University student, suffered injuries that were not considered life-threatening and was later released from the hospital.

Another victim, a 21-year-old man, remained in critical condition. The other three victims were also treated for injuries that were not considered life-threatening.

Authorities have not publicly released the identities of the victims.

Suspect Found on Campus

Following the shooting, law enforcement began searching the campus and surrounding areas as officials worked to determine whether there was an ongoing threat.

The university was temporarily placed under lockdown while officers investigated.

At approximately 4 p.m. Saturday, police located Harris inside a closet in Seward Hall, a campus residence building. He was taken into custody without further reported injuries.

Harris was later transported to the Chesterfield County Jail, where he was being held without bond.

Eight Felony Charges

Authorities obtained eight felony warrants against Harris.

He faces four counts of malicious wounding and four counts of using a firearm in the commission of a felony.

Police have indicated that additional charges could be filed as investigators continue reviewing evidence.

The allegations against Harris have not been proven in court, and he is presumed innocent unless convicted.

Motive Remains Unknown

Investigators have not announced a motive for the shooting.

Authorities are reviewing evidence and interviewing witnesses as they attempt to establish what happened before the gunfire and whether anyone else may have been involved.

Officials initially investigated the possibility that multiple people could have been involved, and the investigation remains active.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Virginia State University Police and other law-enforcement agencies are assisting Chesterfield County investigators.

Campus Lockdown Lifted

The university’s lockdown was later lifted after authorities determined there was no ongoing threat to the campus community.

The incident occurred shortly after Virginia State completed an orientation program for new students and as students were preparing to begin the fall semester.

University officials have increased the law-enforcement presence on campus and said the safety of students, faculty and staff remains a priority.

Investigation Continues

Virginia State University, located in Ettrick, about 20 miles south of Richmond, is preparing for the start of classes while investigators continue working on the case.

Officials are encouraging anyone who may have information about the shooting to contact law enforcement.

For the victims and their families, the immediate focus remains on recovery. Meanwhile, investigators are working to answer the central unanswered questions surrounding the incident, including what led to the shooting and whether additional charges will follow.

The case remains under investigation, and all charges against Harris are allegations at this stage.