UPDATE: Virginia Tech is currently on lockdown after two people, including a police officer, were shot and killed near campus.
Virginia Tech spokesman Mark Owczarski said:
“During the traffic stop. the officer was shot and killed. There were witnesses to this shooting… Witnesses reported to police the shooter fled on foot heading toward the Cage, a parking lot near Duck Pond Drive. At that parking lot, a second person was found. That person is also deceased.”
The original story continues below…
A police officer has been shot near the campus of Virginia Tech. The officer, and possibly another victim, were injured in a parking lot near the school.
The Associated Press reports that authorities are currently seeking a suspect described as a white male wearing gray sweat pants, a gray hat with neon green brim, and maroon hoodie sweatshirt. School officials are telling all students to stay inside and lock their doors.
VA. Tech has been posting alerts on its webpage. One alert reads:
“Suspect remains at large. A police officer has been shot. A potential second victim is reported at the Cage lot. Stay indoors. Secure in place.”
Details about the shooting are scarce at the moment but a law enforcement official speaking on condition of anonymity, told the AP that the shooting stemmed from a traffic stop near the Virginia Tech campus.
NBC News’ Pete Williams told MSNBC TV:
“We don’t know if the suspect fled or the extent of the injuries to the suspect or to the officer. This was a traffic stop on campus. It was not someone walking around firing shots.”
In 2007, a student gunmen killed 32 students and faculty members at Virginia Tech before taking his own life.
Va. Tech was given a $55,000 fine by the Education Department for its response to the 2007 shooting. Va. filed an appeal today.
Here’s a livestream from WDBJ7 who is covering the Virginia Tech shooting.
More information about the shooting to follow.
