Two people have died following a shooting at the Central Michigan University on Friday morning, the university confirmed.
- Two who died are not students
- Authorities continue to search for suspect
- Suspect considered armed, dangerous
More than 100 police officers, some heavily armed in camouflage uniforms, searched neighborhoods near Central Michigan University for 19-year-old student James Eric Davis, Jr., who is suspected of killing his parents at a dormitory and then running from campus.
CMU police confirm two individuals were fatally shot at Campbell Hall on campus this morning. The deceased are not students and police believe the situation started from a domestic situation. There are no additional injuries; suspect is still at large: https://t.co/AxvPn3N0s0
— Central Michigan U. (@CMUniversity) March 2, 2018
The person of interest is James Eric Davis, Jr. He is a black male, approximately 19 years of age, 5'10" & 135 lbs. He was last see wearing mustard yellow jeans and a blue hoodie. The suspect is considered armed and dangerous. Do not approach the suspect. Call 911 immediately. pic.twitter.com/dCChxe1Tfr
— City of Mt. Pleasant (@MtPleasantMI) March 2, 2018
The search for Davis is still ongoing, the university stated on its website, and authorities will continue to search for him throughout the campus and community through Friday night.
The alleged gunman is still at large and is considered armed and dangerous, the university and the Mount Pleasant's city government reported.
Campus police identified and released a photo of Davis during an afternoon news conference. Lt. Larry Klaus said surveillance video suggests he fled on foot after the 8:30 a.m. shooting at Campbell Hall.
UPDATE 10:23 a.m.: The suspect is a 19-year-old black male who is approx. 5 foot 9 inches tall. He is wearing mustard yellow jeans and a blue hoodie. He may have taken off the blue hoodie. He is considered armed & dangerous. If you see the suspect, do not approach him. Call 911.
— City of Mt. Pleasant (@MtPleasantMI) March 2, 2018
There has been a report of shots fired at Campbell Hall on campus. Suspect is still at large, police advise all to take shelter. If you see something suspicious, call 911.
— Central Michigan U. (@CMUniversity) March 2, 2018
Klaus said anyone who sees Davis shouldn’t confront him, but needs to call 911. The school, which has about 23,000 students, urged everyone on campus to take shelter.
“He should be considered armed and dangerous,” said Klaus, adding that Davis was wearing a black hoodie but had been shedding certain clothes while on the run.
Klaus said Davis was taken to a hospital Thursday night by campus police because of a drug-related health problem, possibly an overdose. No other details were released.
The Mount Pleasant's city government Twitter account advised that people should be aware of their surroundings.
URGENT INFORMATION: There has been a report of a shooting on the campus of Central Michigan University. MPPD is assisting @cmupd with the situation. The shooter has not yet been apprehended. Please remain aware of your surroundings and call 911 to report suspicious activity
— City of Mt. Pleasant (@MtPleasantMI) March 2, 2018
On its Facebook page, the government also stated that, "City buildings are currently locked down and not accessible to the general public."
The university's student government also advised people to stay inside.
⚠️Everyone please stay inside and lock your doors. Do not leave the building you are in or walk around campus ⚠️
— CMU SGA (@CMUSGA) March 2, 2018
The shooting occurred on the last day of classes before spring break at the Mount Pleasant campus, which is about 70 miles north of Lansing.
There are about 23,000 students at the Mount Pleasant university, which is about two hours northwest of Detroit.
In the surrounding community, students and staff in the Mount Pleasant school district were told not to leave nine buildings.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.