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Early Friday morning, reports came out that a shooting occurred at Central Michigan University, in which two non-students lost their lives, also placing the school on lockdown. The school later issued a statement naming the person of interest involved with the case as James Eric Davis, Jr.
As mentioned, two people lost their lives in the shooting; the two victims are not believed to be students at the school. No other injuries have since been reported in connection with the case. At this time, the incident is believed to have been sparked by a domestic dispute.
On Twitter, Governor Rick Snyder released the following statement on social media:
“I am in constant contact with @MichStatePolice as they work w/local law enforcement to determine what has occurred at Central Michigan University. The priority right now is the safety of those still on campus and I thank all first responders involved for their swift action.”
At around 10:30 AM EST, SWAT teams surrounded an apartment in the nearby Cherry Street Town Home Apartments, believed to be connected to the case.
As of 11 AM EST, the campus remains on lockdown and classes are canceled at the school with the suspect still at large.
Who Is James Eric Davis, Jr.?
On Twitter, the city of Mt. Pleasant released the following description of James Eric Davis, Jr.:
“The suspect is a 19-year-old black male who is approx. 5 foot 9 inches tall. He is wearing mustard yellow jeans and a blue hoodie. He may have taken off the blue hoodie. He is considered armed & dangerous. If you see the suspect, do not approach him. Call 911.”
As news of the shooting originally came out, people on social media called for a photo of Davis to be released to help students protect themselves. As one post on Twitter wrote:
“Anyone have a picture of this James Eric Davis Jr. we can RT to help students stay safe? @CMUniversity @cmupd @MountPleasantPD @CMLIFE #StaySafeCMU”
According to CBS Detroit, a law enforcement official told WWJ Newsradio 950 said the victims are believed to be the shooters’ parents.
According to The Morning Sun, police believe the suspect had been released from the hospital before the incident:
“Police are working to get a photo of the suspect, believed to be 19 years old and whom they believe was released from a hospital just before 8 a.m. today, but officials said he was not at McLaren-Central Michigan.”
WILX added that Davis was being treated for a drug-related incident, possibly an overdose.
On Twitter, it was confirmed that he had been a student at the school:
“Shooter is confirmed to be a student. James Eric Davis Jr. is listed as a sophomore on @CMUniversity student registry.”
As this story is developing, more information will be updated as made available.
