What started as a traffic stop turn into a shooting incident. Details are still developing. Suspect still at large.
Look for additional updates in comments.
Latest News
Thursday, Dec. 8, 2011
From VT Alerts: Suspect remains at large. A police officer has been shot. A potential second victim is reported at the Cage lot. Stay indoors. Secure in place.
From VT Alerts: Suspect described as white male, gray sweat pants, gray hat w/neon green brim, maroon hoodie and backpack. On foot towards McComas. Call 911
From VT Alerts: Gun shots reported- Coliseum Parking lot. Stay Inside. Secure doors. Emergency personnel responding. Call 911 for help.
10:58 AM PT: UPDATE:
Via MSNBC. Two repeat, Two confirmed fatalities.
11:25 AM PT: Police investigating shootings on campus; shooter's status unknown
(Posted: 1:49 p.m.) Shortly after noon today, a Virginia Tech police officer stopped a vehicle on campus during a routine traffic stop in the Coliseum parking lot near McComas Hall
During the traffic stop. the officer was shot and killed. There were witnesses to this shooting.
Witnesses reported to police the shooter fled on foot heading toward the Cage, a parking lot near Duck Pond Drive. At that parking lot, a second person was found. That person is also deceased.
Several law enforcement agencies have responded to assist. Virginia State Police has been requested to take lead in the investigation
The status of the shooter is unknown. The campus community should continue to shelter in place and visitors should not come to campus.
11:26 AM PT: Reports say they're slowly emptying campus buildings.
11:31 AM PT: Update: Shooter's status remains unknown; visitors advised to stay away from campus
(Posted: 2:20 p.m.) Numerous reports have been made recently of sounds identified as gunshots and suspicious activity on campus. These recent reports have been investigated and are unfounded. The suspect's status remains unknown. Several law enforcement agencies are on scene to assist. Please stay where you are and secure your surroundings.
11:32 AM PT: UPDATED 2:18 p.m.: Montgomery County Schools are on a lockdown right now.
11:48 AM PT: Update: Media briefing to be held at Schott Media Room at 4:30 p.m.
(Posted: 2:39 p.m.) Media are advised to stage and gather at the Schott Media Room in the west side South End Zone, lower level of Lane Stadium.
Parking will be in the Track Soccer Lot
The university is planning a 4:30 p.m. media briefing.
12:03 PM PT: Update: Exams postponed for Friday, Dec. 9
(Posted: 2:59 p.m.) Tomorrow, Friday, Dec. 9 is the start of final exams for the fall term. Exams scheduled for Friday (tomorrow) have been postponed.
A decision regarding the final exam schedule will be made as soon as we have more information. All information will be send via campus wide email and posted to the univerity homepage.
12:17 PM PT: Screen grab of original alert.
http://www.wdbj7.com/...
12:20 PM PT: I'm heading out. I'll be around and checking. Please use this as somewhat of a liveblog as long as it stays up on rec list.
Thanks for your comments and updates.
Our sympathies to the victims and their families. As well as the students of Va Tech.