A random act of violence
Four people were injured in a stabbing attack on the campus of Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, Louisiana, on Monday morning. The suspect, identified as Jacoby Johnson, a 23-year-old senior student, was arrested by campus police within minutes of the incident. The university said in a statement that the attack appeared to be “a random act of violence” and that there was no ongoing threat to the campus community.
The stabbing occurred outside the Lambright Sports and Wellness Center as the victims were leaving the facility. The suspect then fled south toward the main campus and was apprehended by campus police without incident. The university said that the suspect was being treated at Northern Louisiana Medical Center for injuries received during the initial incident.
The victims’ conditions
Of the four victims, one was a graduate student and the others were not students, according to the university. One victim was airlifted to nearby Shreveport, Louisiana, and was in critical condition. Two others were transported to a local hospital and were in serious but stable condition. The fourth victim refused treatment.
The university did not release the names of the victims or the suspect, citing privacy laws and the ongoing investigation. The university said it was providing counseling and support services to the victims, their families, and anyone affected by the incident.
The campus response
The university issued a campus-wide alert at 9:12 a.m., informing students and staff of the stabbing and advising them to avoid the area. The alert was lifted at 9:40 a.m., after the suspect was in custody and the scene was secured. The university said it was cooperating with the Ruston Police Department and the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office in the investigation.
The university’s president, Dr. Les Guice, expressed his gratitude to the campus police and the first responders for their swift and professional actions. He also thanked the university community for their cooperation and support.
