Three people have been killed and two injured at the University of Virginia Charlottesville campus due to a shooting situation that has put the campus on lockdown, university president Jim Ryan announced.
University police said the suspect, student Christopher Darnell Jones, was in custody hours after the shooting that unfolded at 10:30 p.m. on Sunday at the school in Charlottesville, Virginia.
UVA UPDATE: Police have the suspect in custody. This is the final alert message.
— UVA Police Department (@UVAPolice) November 14, 2022
The University of Virginia Police Department and the university itself identified the suspect as Christopher Darnell Jones and warned civilians not to approach him and to call 911 if they spot him. They also said he may be driving a black SUV with Virginia tags and a license plate reading TWX3580.
An update on the active shooter incident at UVA: pic.twitter.com/LLshF8JJcR
— Jim Ryan (@presjimryan) November 14, 2022
Jones is also likely a former football player for the university, having been on the team as a freshman in 2018 but never playing in any games, according to Virginia Sports. However, it is unclear if he is still enrolled.
All three casualties in the shooting were reportedly identified as part of the University of Virginia's football team. The athletes who were killed in the shooting are D'Sean Perry, Lavel Davis and Devin Chandler.
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
An emergency hotline was established
The university has established an emergency hotline at 877-685-4836 for friends and family with questions about the ongoing situation.
UVA Alert: THE LAW ENFORCEMENT SEARCH ON AND AROUND UVA GROUNDS CONTINUES. REMAIN SHELTERED IN PLACE. EXPECT INCREASED LAW ENFORCEMENT PRESENCE.
— UVA Emergency Management (@UVA_EM) November 14, 2022
Due to the shooting, Ryan announced that all classes at the University of Virginia have been canceled for Monday, and only designated essential workers should still report for work. All remote work will proceed as normal.
This is a developing story.