Student injured in reported shooting on University of Dayton campus

DAYTON — A student was injured in a reported shooting on the University of Dayton campus late Saturday night.

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Officers from the University of Dayton Public Safety and the Dayton Police Department responded to the first block of Evanston Avenue just before 11:50 p.m. on a report of shots fired.

This address is located in the south student neighborhood.

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One student was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, according to University officials.

Two homes on Evanston Avenue were affected by the shots fired, but the university has reached out to those residents to help.

News Center 7 obtained an email that University President Eric Spina sent out to students, faculty and staff.

“Last night, I received the phone call that every university president dreads. Hearing the words ‘shots fired on campus’ caused my heart to sink. My immediate and overwhelming concern was for the well-being of our students and the safety of our entire community,” Spina wrote.

He said at this point in the investigation, the shots fired seem to have stemmed from an argument.

“It does not appear the suspect(s) are affiliated with the University nor was anyone at the University a target. We do not believe there is any threat to our campus community at this time,” Spina wrote.

The university issued a shelter-in-place for the campus community early Sunday morning and lifted it after 1:20 a.m.

University officials could not confirm whether anyone was taken into custody at this time.

University of Dayton’s President Eric Spina’s full statement to the student body:

“Last night, I received the phone call that every university president dreads. Hearing the words “shots fired on campus” caused my heart to sink. My immediate and overwhelming concern was for the well-being of our students and the safety of our entire community.
On behalf of University leadership, I want to provide additional information on the situation in the south student neighborhood late Saturday night and the ongoing investigation. I want to speak directly to our UD community about campus safety and stress the importance of being supportive of one another as everyone will deal with processing this event differently.
Update on person injured and investigation
First, the person injured was a UD student. We are grateful the student’s injury is not life-threatening and they are recovering with family. We are providing all available support for this individual and hold them in our prayers.
Student Development, the dean of students office, housing and residence life and other campus offices reached out to the residents of the two homes on Evanston Avenue affected by shots fired, to provide support and make sure their needs are being met.
UD Public Safety officers worked with city of Dayton police through the night – and continue to do so – and have made significant progress on the investigation. They remain focused on bringing it to a conclusion and are using all investigative tools and resources at their disposal. At this point in the investigation, it appears there was a verbal altercation of some kind that escalated into multiple shots being fired. It does not appear the suspect(s) are affiliated with the University nor was anyone at the University a target. We do not believe there is any threat to our campus community at this time.
We once again ask anyone with information about this incident to call University of Dayton Public Safety at 937-229-2121. UD Public Safety and city of Dayton police are collaborating well and are increasing patrols in the student neighborhoods.
Campus safety matters
We unfortunately continue to hear of incidents of senseless violence, much of it involving firearms, happening on campuses nationwide. Serious incidents of this nature can shake our sense of security, but also underscore the importance of our shared commitment to one another.
We remind everyone in our community of the valuable resources available, if needed, to help process this type of incident:
Counseling Center, 937-229-3141 and press option 2 to speak with an on-call therapist.
Student Development, after hours contact UD Public Safety at 937-229-2121.
Campus Ministry, 937-229-3339.
Campus safety is a partnership between UD Public Safety, the city of Dayton police, and our entire community. We want everyone to feel safe on campus. It is important that students take their personal safety seriously and are aware of who is inside and outside their residence, particularly in the student neighborhoods. As a reminder, if you observe anything on campus that seems strange, suspicious, or makes you uneasy, please call Public Safety at 937-229-2121. You can also contact them through the <a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/udayton.edu/safety/crime-prevention.php__;!!F8-Dj6fVkZI!aXYW9_zXt1u7HBCXoBw3HXrzEVE5h4zhAPlEuJJGKkqNZL_-JIpfLW9vB68MCbzSFXGNSpmq5n-DaGScdu7Im69aNw$" rel="">Flyer Safe app</a>. While the neighborhoods are considered part of our campus, these are city of Dayton streets and are widely accessible.
University leadership, including UD Public Safety and the emergency management committee, will conduct a thorough review of this incident with the goal of providing additional guidance and education to our community. This will further inform two key working groups already in place that are exploring all aspects of campus safety, specifically surrounding large gatherings, the openness of our campus, and the potential for more controlled access.
Staying together
Because there are still a number of unknowns about this incident, we ask that you not spread misinformation and instead turn to trusted University sources for information. We must be careful not to allow fear or division to control our actions.
We also ask you to support one another during this time and seek support for yourself if needed. Our community is defined by its unity, respect, and care for one another. We must actively work to make our UD home an environment where every single student feels safe and valued. We are stronger together when we lean on our Catholic, Marianist values of community and inclusivity, two hallmarks of our university.
Provost Darlene Weaver, Vice President for Student Development Casey Gill, and representatives from UD Public Safety will attend the SGA meeting 6 p.m. today in Kennedy Union ballroom.
The University will provide additional updates as needed. Join me in holding our community in prayer."
— University of Dayton President Eric Spina