Virginia State University Police Officer Shot, Suspect Apprehended
The 39-year-old Virginia State police officer was shot while responding to a disturbance on campus early Sunday morning.
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ARTICLE UPDATE – 11/15/23:
The gunman accused of shooting a Virginia State University police officer Sunday morning was arrested Tuesday night without incident.
The suspect has been identified as 21-year-old Deonta Blount of Chester. He has been charged with aggravated malicious wounding of a law enforcement officer and use of a firearm in the commissions of aggravated malicious wounding of a law enforcement officer. Blount is being held without bond at the Chesterfield County Jail.
Blount is not a current or former VSU student, according to a statement from the school.
The victim, 39-year-old Bruce Foster, remains hospitalized in stable condition.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE – 11/14/23:
PETERSBURG, Va. — A Virginia State University (VSU) police officer was shot early Sunday morning while responding to a dispute on campus.
VSU Chief of Police David Bragg identified the officer as 39-year-old Bruce Foster, who has been with the campus police force for five years, WTVR reports. He was transferred to VCU Medical Center with life-threatening injuries but is now in stable condition.
Officials said Foster was on duty when he heard a disturbance involving a group of people around 1:30 a.m. in the 3400 block of Boisseau Street. Foster attempted to diffuse the situation with one of the people involved when someone else shot him while fleeing campus. Police said they are searching for multiple suspects but believe only one person fired a weapon.
The campus was placed on lockdown and was lifted shortly after 12 p.m. Sunday. VSU President Makola Abdullah said grief counselors would be available and that all university activities would continue as planned for the week. Abdullah also said officers from around the area would assist the school in “around-the-clock surveillance” for the remainder of the semester.
“We are doing everything we can to keep our campus safe,” he said. “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.”
Chesterfield Police are leading the investigation into the shooting with support from the Virginia State Police and the FBI’s Richmond Division. Anyone with information about the incident should call VSU Police at 804-524-5360, Chesterfield Police at 804-748-1261, or Crime Solvers at 804-748-0660.
We will provide updates as they are made available.
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About the Author
Amy Rock, Executive Editor
Amy is Campus Safety’s Executive Editor. Prior to joining the editorial team in 2017, she worked in both events and digital marketing.
Amy has many close relatives and friends who are teachers, motivating her to learn and share as much as she can about campus security. She has a minor in education and has worked with children in several capacities, further deepening her passion for keeping students safe.
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