MACOMB (WGEM) — A Western Illinois University student was shot by his roommate in Thompson Hall Tuesday night, university officials said.
« There were no other injuries. The student was taken by ambulance to our local hospital, » WIU spokesperson Darcie Shinberger said.
The extent of the victim’s injuries were not immediately known, but Shinberger said he was transferred to another hospital after begin treated at McDonough District Hospital.
Authorities were not able to find the shooter when they arrived at approximately 10:40 p.m. Police were aware of his identity and were searching for him.
The university identified the suspect as Kavion Poplous, 18, a WIU freshman. Authorities said Poplous was « armed and dangerous. »
An alert was sent out via email, phone calls and texts through the university’s emergency alert system, which is available to students and parents.
Officials urged students to follow instructions from police, and were told to « make sure your hands are in plain view. »
Someone pulled the fire alarm after the shooting, which prompted the evacuation of the residence hall and the relocation of students to another part of campus, authorities said.
« We have members of our university counseling center who will be coming in. We have people there with our students. We’re obviously taking calls from parents, » Shinberger explained.
Seasonable temperatures and low humidity will make for another pretty nice day for the Tri-States. Cloud cover begins to increase by Wednesday…
SOURCE: https://www.w24news.com/news/world-news-us-wiu-student-shoots-roommate/?remotepost=278627