Gunman sought after three killed, two wounded at University of Virginia

A student gunman remained on the loose early Monday after three people were killed and two others wounded at the University of Virginia — leading the school community at the college’s Charlottesville campus to shelter in place.

University police said the suspect, identified as Christopher Darnell Jones, should be considered “armed and dangerous” and advised students and staff to stay inside.

Shots rang out in the area of Culbreth Road on university grounds, UVA police announced around 10:30 p.m.

“UVA Alert: ACTIVE ATTACKER firearm reported in area of Culbreth Road. RUN HIDE FIGHT,” the department tweeted about 10 minutes later.

Christopher Darnell Jones is considered armed and dangerous, as UVA advised community members to stay inside. — Christopher Darnell Jones is considered armed and dangerous, as UVA police advised community members to stay inside.

University President Jim Ryan said in a statement Monday morning that Jones is a student at the school.

“Multiple law enforcement agencies are coordinating to find and apprehend him,” he wrote, saying the suspect may be driving a black SUV with Virginia plate number TWX3580.

“As of this writing, I am heartbroken to report that the shooting has resulted in three fatalities; two additional victims were injured and are receiving medical care,” Ryan said in the message.

Officials have not identified the victims or stated whether they were students or staff.

“We are working closely with the families of the victims, and we will share additional details as soon as we are able,” Ryan said. “This is a message any leader hopes to never to have to send, and I am devastated that the violence has visited the University of Virginia.”

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He also announced that classes have been canceled for Monday.

“I am holding the victims, their families, and all members of the University of Virginia community in my heart today, and we will make plans to come together as a community to grieve as soon as the suspect is apprehended,” he added.

Campus police issued an alert about 6:30 a.m. Monday that law enforcement is conducting a “complete search on and around UVA grounds.”

“REMAIN SHELTERED IN PLACE,” the department added.

The suspect was described as a black male wearing a burgundy jacket, blue jeans and red shoes, according to the campus cops.