UPDATED ON 9/16/2020 AT 6:00 A.M.
MACOMB, Ill. (NEWS3) — Western Illinois University campuses are closed Wednesday after a student was injured in a shooting on campus.
The announcement comes as police continue searching for the shooter who is identified as freshman Kavion Poplous, 18.
WIU spokesperson Darcie Shinberger said Poplous is believed to have shot his roommate in Thompson Residence Hall just after 10:30 p.m. Tuesday following a dispute.
The male victim was transported to McDonough District Hospital then taken to another hospital, but his condition is unknown.
WIU officials said all buildings, including residence halls, will be on lockdown Wednesday. Online and in-person classes at both of its campuses are canceled Wednesday, along with extension courses.
Students in Thompson Hall were evacuated to a nearby building. Officials said a fire alarm was pulled at the same time of the reported incident. It’s unknown when students will be allowed to return to their dorm rooms.
Poplous is considered armed and dangerous. Police believe the shooting is an isolated incident and there is no threat to the community.
Anyone with information is asked to call 911 immediately.
Counselors and support staff will be on hand in residence halls for any students, faculty or staff with concerns. The support center can also be reached at 309-298-2453.
WIU officials said medical, health care and counseling staff, along with facilities management staff, must report to work as scheduled unless directed otherwise by a supervisor. Employees working in essential positions may be required to work their regular hours. Essential versus nonessential employees is determined by the supervisor and will depend on the nature of the situation.
ORIGINALLY POSTED ON 9/16/2020 AT 3:25 A.M.
MACOMB, Ill. (NEWS3) — Western Illinois University announced classes are canceled Wednesday following a shooting on campus.
The university said classes online and in-person scheduled for Wednesday on the Macomb and Moline campuses will not be held.
This comes after a student was shot inside of Thompson Residence Hall Tuesday night.
WIU spokesperson Darcie Shinberger said police are looking for freshman Kavion Poplous, 18, in connection with shooting the male victim in an apparent roommate dispute.
Poplous is considered armed and dangerous. Police believe the shooting is an isolated incident and there is no threat to the community. The extent of the victim’s injuries are unknown.
Police are asking anyone with information to call 911 immediately.
