(Trends Wide) — Three people were killed and two others wounded in a shooting Sunday night on the University of Virginia campus, according to a university statement.
“This is a message any leader hopes they never have to send, and I am devastated that this violence has visited the University of Virginia,” UVA President Jim Ryan said in the statement.
University officials have not identified the victims or said whether or not they were students.
The suspect, Christopher Darnell Jones, Jr., who UVA confirmed is a student, remains at large and is considered armed and dangerous, authorities said.
The suspect in the University of Virginia shooting is a former football player, according to the university’s athletics site.
Jones is listed on the university’s athletics website as a 2018 football player who did not appear in any games as a freshman.
Police released Jones’ football photo when they identified Christopher Darnell Jones Jr. as the suspect in a reported shooting in the UVA parking lot.
The UVA Police Department is looking for Christopher Darnell Jones regarding the shooting incident that occurred on the grounds of the University of Virginia. Call 911 if seen, do not approach. pic.twitter.com/mKcxF6ksxw
— UVA Police Department (@UVAPolice) November 14, 2022
University of Virginia officials urged students to seek shelter while the search continues for a shooter in connection with a reported shooting near campus early Monday morning.
“We’ve all gotten multiple shelter-in-place texts, and they’re terrifying,” Vice President and Dean of Students Robyn Hadley said in a post to the UVA student body early Monday morning. Hadley continued: “I am on the ground like many of you; I am sheltering in place and in direct contact with University and UPD leadership. Please take shelter in place commands seriously as the situation is still active,” Hadley said.
The shooting was reported on Culbreth Road, police tweeted.
Earlier, University of Virginia police said multiple law enforcement agencies are actively searching for the suspect, identified as Christopher Darnell Jones Jr, described as a black male, wearing a burgundy jacket, blue jeans and red shoes and is believed to be He’s armed and dangerous. according to the Virginia Police.
Police say Jones is a black male, wearing a burgundy jacket or hoodie, blue jeans and red shoes.