CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. — Five people were shot near Virginia State University early Saturday morning, prompting a campus lockdown and a major law enforcement response.
Chesterfield County Police said officers were dispatched at approximately 1:28 a.m. Aug. 15 to the 3300 block of Boisseau Street, near the university’s dormitories, following reports of a shooting. When officers arrived, they found five people suffering from gunshot wounds outside the dormitory area.
All five victims were transported to nearby hospitals. Police said one victim, who was initially reported to have life-threatening injuries, was later upgraded to critical condition. The remaining four victims suffered injuries that were considered non-life-threatening.
The shooting involved multiple suspects, according to initial reports, although authorities have not publicly released detailed descriptions of those responsible or announced any arrests.
The incident prompted a campus lockdown as police responded and investigators worked to secure the area. A significant law enforcement presence remained on campus while officers processed the scene and gathered evidence.
Several agencies are assisting with the investigation, including Virginia State University Police, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office.
Investigators are working to determine what led to the shooting, whether the victims knew the suspects and whether the gunfire was connected to an earlier confrontation. Authorities have not yet announced a motive.
Detectives are expected to review surveillance footage, interview witnesses and examine evidence recovered from the scene as they work to establish a detailed timeline of the incident.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Chesterfield County Police at 804-748-1251 or Crime Solvers at 804-748-0660. Anonymous information can also be submitted through the P3 app.
The investigation remains active, and officials are expected to release additional information as detectives continue working to identify and locate the suspects.
