ETTRICK, Va. — Gavin Newton came to Virginia State University because of a motto: “The greater happens here.”
One week after moving onto campus, he woke up to a very different reality — a mass shooting just behind his dorm.
“We are going to keep on pushing. We are going to move past it and be a better school because the greater happens here,” Newton said.
Newton slept through the shooting itself but woke up to the response.
“I was asleep during the whole process. I did wake up during the middle of the night and did see some ambulances passing by,” Newton said.
WATCH: VSU student woke up to ‘like 100 shots going off’ outside his dorm during welcome week
VSU freshman woke up to ‘like 100 shots going off’ outside his dorm during welcome week
Fellow VSU freshman Miles Blake was awake when the shots rang out.
“It was like 100 shots going off. I looked out the window and everybody was just running. I saw everybody running so I knew it was shots,” Blake said.
Five people were shot outside VSU dormitories in the early morning hours of Saturday, Aug. 15. One remains in critical condition. Chesterfield County Police say four of the five victims, who ranged in age from 17 to 23 years old, were not VSU students.
For nearly 14 hours after the shooting, the suspect remained on campus. Police eventually arrested 19-year-old Camron Harris of Henrico, who was found hiding in a closet in Seward Hall.
Harris, who is not a VSU student, faces eight felony charges: four counts of malicious wounding and four counts of use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. He is being held at the Chesterfield County Jail without bond.
Retired Chesterfield Police Capt. Steve Neal said the 14-hour window raises serious questions.
“It’s very unlikely that he left campus and came back, so that suggests that he’s been there for the entire 14 hours. That makes me wonder who else might be involved in this case. Was there somebody hiding him inside that particular dorm room? And I want to know where’s the weapon? Has the weapon been recovered in this case?” Neal said.
COMPLETE COVERAGE: Teen wanted for shooting 5 people at VSU found hiding in dorm closet
COMPLETE COVERAGE: Teen wanted for shooting 5 people at VSU found hiding in dorm closet
Neal said the presence of four non-students among the five victims points to a broader campus security problem.
“You can do a quick search and find out that there are a number of incidents that happen year after year: shootings, stabbings, killings — including just a couple years ago, a Virginia State University police officer was shot and left permanently disabled. They need to do a better job understanding who’s on campus and why they’re there,” Neal said.
Chesterfield County Police continue to investigate and are asking anyone with information to come forward. Anyone with information is asked to call Chesterfield County Police at 804-748-1251 or Crime Solvers at 804-748-0660. Tips may also be submitted through the P3 app.
VSU President Dr. Makola M. Abdullah said in a statement Sunday morning ahead of the first day of classes Monday:
As we prepare to begin a new academic year, I want to take a moment to address our community following the shooting that occurred on our campus early Saturday morning.
I am grateful to share that an arrest has been made in connection with the incident. The investigation remains ongoing, and Virginia State University continues to work closely with Chesterfield County Police and our other law enforcement partners.
Over the past two days, I have been reminded of the strength of the Virginia State University community. I want to extend my sincere appreciation to the Virginia State University Police Department for its immediate response and continued protection of our campus. I am equally grateful to Chesterfield County Police and the local, state and federal law enforcement agencies that responded and continue to assist with this investigation.
We understand the concern an incident like this creates, particularly for parents and families who entrust their students to our care. Please know that we take that responsibility seriously, and the safety and well being of our students and our entire campus community remain among our highest priorities.
I also want to express my sincere gratitude for the tremendous outpouring of thoughts, prayers, well wishes and support we have received from parents, alumni, friends, community partners and supporters of Virginia State University. Your calls, messages and expressions of concern have meant a great deal to us.
As we move forward and begin this new academic year, I ask that you continue to keep Virginia State University, our students and all those affected by this incident uplifted in your thoughts and prayers.
Virginia State University is a strong and resilient community. In challenging moments, that strength is evident in the way we come together, care for one another and move forward together.
Thank you for your continued support of Virginia State University.
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