Shots were fired on the campus of Coahoma Community College shortly after noon Thursday with no one hit or hurt in the incident.
The shooter then fled the scene and remains at large.
CCC Chief Communications Officer Marriel Hardy said the incident took place in front of the Z.A. Barron Student Union and campus security was on the scene almost immediately.
“The person did flee the scene immediately,” said Hardy. “We are thankful no one was injured.
“The scene was secured by our security staff and the Coahoma County Sheriff’s Department was called,” Hardy added. “They are working with our staff, security and students investigating this case.”
The gunfire occurred at 12:10 p.m. as most students headed to the cafeteria in the student union for their noon meal.
The incident prompted those outside to run away from the gunfire and faculty and staff reported hearing the shots in their offices and classroom.
Hardy said the campus immediately went into lockdown. The metal gates surround the campus were shut and traffic was not allowed in or out. Sheriff’s deputies were placed at the campus entrances when the gates were reopened.
“The safety and wellbeing of students, faculty and visitors is paramount on the campus of Coahoma Community College and this institution makes every effort to provide a safe and secure learning environment,” said Hardy. “With that said, acts of violence in any form are not tolerated on this campus. We will work with authorities to make sure the person who did this is brought to justice. We want to see this pursued to the full extent of the law and if it is a student, we will seek their expulsion.”
The parking lot across from the Student Union was blocked off with yellow police tape and investigators put down orange cones where they found spent bullet cases. The yellow crime tape was rolled up about 1 p.m. and classes resumed at that time.
Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call 911 or the Coahoma County Sheriff’s Department at 624-2411.
-30-
