Virginia authorities have arrested a 19-year-old man in connection with a mass shooting that erupted Saturday on the Virginia State University campus.
Police identified the suspect as Camron Harris of Henrico, Virginia, and said he is not enrolled at the university. Five people were injured in the shooting, including one victim who was listed in critical condition.
Officials have not released the names of those who were shot. Investigators said just one of the victims is a Virginia State University student.
The shooting prompted an hours-long search across the area before police said they located Harris hiding inside a closet in one of the campus residence halls.
A Nov. 12, 2023, file photo shows the Virginia State University campus. (USA Today Network via Reuters Connect)
Authorities secured felony warrants charging Harris with four counts of malicious wounding and four counts of using a firearm in the commission of a felony.
Harris is being held without bond at the Chesterfield County Jail, police said. Investigators also indicated that additional charges could be filed.
The gunfire broke out early Saturday morning, with Harris taken into custody several hours later.
Chesterfield Police arrested 19-year-old Camron Harris in connection with a mass shooting at Virginia State University on Saturday, Aug. 15. (WWBT via AP; Chesterfield County Police Department)
“Officers responded to the 3300 block of Boisseau Street at approximately 1:28 a.m. and discovered five individuals suffering from gunshot wounds outside VSU residence halls,” a university official told News Outlet.
“We recognize the concern this incident has caused among our students, parents, alumni, friends and the broader VSU community,” the university said in a statement Saturday afternoon. “VSU police will maintain an increased presence on campus as the investigation continues.
“Students should monitor their VSU email for additional safety measures currently in effect and information about available support resources,” the statement added.
A campus lockdown at VSU has since been lifted.
Chesterfield Police arrested 19-year-old Camron Harris in connection with a mass shooting at Virginia State University on Saturday, Aug. 15. (Chesterfield County Police Department)
VSU, a state-supported historically Black university, is located in Ettrick, Virginia, about 25 miles south of Richmond.


