Virginia State University police officer critically shot remains in stable condition in the hospital while suspect is still at large

PETERSBURG, VA - Virginia State University (VSU) officials stated that the university police officer who was shot and critically wounded in a shooting near campus, remains in stable condition. 

According to the Associated Press (AP), the shooting happened around 1:30 a.m. on Sunday, November 12th, when an on-duty VSU police officer responded to a disturbance at the campus. Chesterfield County police stated that the suspect, who as of this writing, remains at large, ran off campus before shots were fired, injuring the officer.

Immediately following the shooting, the campus was put on lockdown. That lockdown was lifted around 12:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 12th. 

In a social media post, Chesterfield Police Chief Col. Jeffrey Katz said that Virginia State Police (VSP) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) are assisting in the ongoing investigation. He wrote, "CCPD stands in unwavering solidarity with our partners at Virginia State University. We will not rest until the individual who shot their officer is brought to justice."

He added, "I strongly encourage the individual responsible to turn himself in peacefully." According to NBC Washington, anyone with information is asked to contact Chesterfield County police at 804-748-1251 of Crime Solvers at 804-748-0660.

In a post on X, VSU Police wrote, "Chief Bragg and the VUS Police Department's staff would like to thank you for your calls and messages of love and compassion. Your support during this difficult time has been invaluable. VSU Police asks that you continue to pray for Officer Foster and his family."

The officer who was critically injured, 39-year-old Bruce Foster has been with the campus police for five years. After the shooting, he was transferred to VCU Medical Center with life-threatening injuries. Officer Foster is now in stable condition. 

Officials said that Foster was on duty when he heard a disturbance involving a group of people in the 3400 block of Boisseau Street. He attempted to diffuse the situation with one of the people involved when someone else shot him while fleeing campus. Police are searching for multiple suspects, but initial investigations indicate that only one person fired a weapon. 

According to reports, officials do not believe VSU students are the source of the disturbance, but they will continue to investigate. Chief Bragg described Foster as an "exemplary officer with a clean record and a very loving guy." 

After the lockdown was lifted, VSU President Makola Abdullah said that grief counselors would be available and that all university activities would continue as planned for the week. Abdullah stated that officers from around the area would assist the school in "around-the-clock surveillance" for the remainder of the fall semester. 

He said, "We are doing everything we can to keep our campus safe. We need your help. Help us to ensure that we are not inviting anyone into our 'home' who may mean us harm. If you see something, say something."
 
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Comments

Kevin

Black, Brown, low-hanging pants, hoodie.

Kevin

Black, Brown, low-hanging pants, hoodie.

Kevin

Black, Brown, low-hanging pants, hoodie.

Jim

Find that POS and put him down if at all possible. Don't allow him the possibility to get away with this. Prays for our Brother in Blue for a complete recovery!

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