BRIDGEWATER (Va.) — Two campus officers were shot and killed Tuesday by a gunman at a private college. This prompted a lengthy campus lockdown and search until the suspect was arrested, according to state police and school officials.
The lockdown started in the afternoon, when officials from Bridgewater College sent out a tweet to warn students and faculty that there was a shooter on campus.
Around 2 p.m., the college sent out a second tweet announcing that police had arrested a suspect following a search of campus but that students should shelter in place.
An image was captured by a news photographer of an apparent suspect being taken into custody, lying face down on the ground while more than half a dozen law enforcement officers approached him with guns drawn. Around 4:30 p.m., the college gave the all clear.
Other injuries have not been reported.
Corinne Geller, spokeswoman for Virginia State Police, stated that the shooting occurred shortly after campus officers responded to reports about a suspicious male on campus at 1:20 p.m. She explained that the suspect opened fire on the officers and then fled on foot. Both officers died at the scene from their injuries.
The search was joined by officers from both state and local law enforcement agencies, who found the suspect on campus. They said that he waded into the river and was then taken into custody on an island at the river.
Alexander Wyatt Campbell (27 years old) was treated for a gunshot injury that wasn’t serious. Geller stated that it wasn’t clear whether he received the wound from police in exchange or if it was self–inflicted. He was treated for it.
According to a Virginia State Police news release, Campbell was being held indefinitely on two counts each of capital murder and first degree murder. He also faces one count for using a firearm to commit a felony.
His last known address is in Ashland Virginia.
Geller stated that she did not know if Campbell had a lawyer who could represent him.
The school president David W. Bushman stated that the two officers were campus police officer John Painter, and campus safety officer J.J. Jefferson. The campus was grieving the loss of these well-known and beloved officers, he said. The statement said that the duo was “the dynamic pair” and noted that Jefferson’s best man was Painter.
“Two Bridgewater College students were brutally and senselessly taken from us. It is difficult to feel the sadness. Bushman said that words are inadequate to express the sadness, grief, fear, and — justifiably – the anger we all feel.”
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin directed flags to be flown at half-staff across Virginia Wednesday in honor of the officers.
“My heart is broken by the tragic loss today of two Bridgewater College officers. He released a statement asking Virginians to remember their loved ones, friends, and Bridgewater community during this difficult time.
Bridgewater College, a private liberal arts college, is located approximately 125 miles (200 km) northwest of Richmond. According to the school’s website, the school was once affiliated with the Church of the Brethren and had approximately 1,500 students full-time in the fall of 2021.
