A student has been charged after four people were injured in a stabbing incident on the campus of Louisiana Tech University.
The violence occurred just after 9am on Monday at the school’s Lambright Sports and Wellness Center, a Louisiana Tech spokesperson told The Independent.
“This appears to be a random act of violence,” the spokesperson said.
The suspect was identified as Jacoby Johnson, a senior at the university. He was apprehended by campus police “without incident,” the university said, adding that he was treated for injuries at a nearby hospital.
Mr Johnson was then booked into Lincoln Parish Detention Center and charged with four counts of attempted second-degree murder. The investigation is ongoing, according to the university.
The spokesperson said that three of the victims were non-students and one graduate student. Two victims were transported to a local hospital, the grad student was airlifted to Shreveport, and the other refused treatment. One of these victims was in critical condition as of Monday morning while the other two are in serious but stable condition, the spokesperson said.
“In the wake of this unsettling incident, our hearts go out to those impacted most directly,” Louisiana Tech President Les Guice said in a statement on Monday.
“Our immediate focus is on those affected by today’s violence. While we’re grateful for the timely care being provided to the victims, we understand the shock and worry that may linger on campus and in the community.
“The University will continue to make safety a priority. Please know that you can and should be willing to give and receive compassion and support as needed during this time. I encourage you to rely on the bonds of the Tech community as we grieve and heal.”
The campus is located in Ruston, Louisiana. Officers are urging the public to avoid the area.
The school said that Lambright Center was closed on Monday morning but the rest of campus is operating normally.
