PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas – An employee at Prairie View A&M University was shot and killed by a former co-worker at the university’s farm in an isolated incident on campus Monday, officials said.
According to university police chief Michael Curry, officers received a 911 transfer from Waller County Sheriff’s Office dispatch about a caller who indicated someone had been shot at Governor Bill and Vara Daniel Farm and Ranch after 9 a.m.
Curry said when officers arrived in the area, they stopped the vehicle of the suspect involved, who was trying to leave the campus. The driver was quickly detained, the chief said.
Watch Monday’s news conference with Chief Curry below:
When police arrived at the scene of the shooting, they found the victim, who had sustained multiple gunshot wounds. University police began performing life-saving measures until Waller County EMS personnel arrived. The victim was pronounced dead at around 10 a.m., Curry said.
The investigation is ongoing at this time. Police did not provide a description of the the suspect and the victim’s identity has not yet been released by authorities. Right now, Curry said it is unknown how long the victim and suspect were employed at the university.
Curry did not say what led up to the shooting. The suspect’s charges are pending at this time.
A shelter-in-place has since been lifted for students and staff at the university.
The university has canceled all classes for the remainder of the day and is offering assistance to those who need it through Student Counseling Services and the Employee Assistance Program.
Addressing safety concerns at the university in a news conference Monday, Chief Curry urged students and staff to, “Pay attention to your surroundings, be cognizant of the people that are around you, and if you see something, say something.”
Read the full statement from the university below:
“This morning, an incident isolated to the Governor Bill and Vara Daniel Farm and Ranch involving a former employee resulted in a shelter-in-place notification to the campus community. Through the swift action of campus law enforcement, the suspect was detained and taken into custody. No students were injured, however one victim, a current PVAMU employee, sustained life-threatening injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. As our campus mourns, the University has canceled all classes for the remainder of the day. Faculty and staff are encouraged to communicate with their immediate supervisor, should they need time off to process today’s unfortunate event. Our hearts go out to family, friends, and all impacted by this tragedy. Individuals needing counseling or related support may do so through Student Counseling Services (students) and the Employee Assistance Program (employees). The Prairie View A&M University Police Department is leading the investigation.”