LUBBOCK, Texas (KXAN/AP) – A Texas Tech University police officer was shot and killed Monday evening by a suspect brought to the police station for a standard debriefing, police said.
According to KXAN sister station KLBK/KAMC, the suspect is now in custody after he was caught on the east side of Jones AT&T Stadium. The university has identified the gunman as 19-year-old Hollis Daniels, a student.
The lockdown order for the university has been lifted.
Police were called for the reported shooting at 7:50 p.m. Monday to the TTPD building at 413 Flint Ave. in Lubbock.
Texas Tech police say early in the evening they made a student welfare check. After entering the room, police said they found evidence of drugs and drug paraphernalia.
“During this time, the suspect pulled a gun and mortally shot an officer,” Texas Tech Police Chief Kyle Bonath said. “The suspect fled on foot and later apprehended by … (campus police) near the Lubbock Municipal Coliseum.”
Officers say they then brought the suspect to their station, where the suspect pulled a gun and shot an officer in the head, killing the officer. The suspect then ran away.
Texas Tech officials initially issued a lockdown alert to students on social media, urging those on campus “to take shelter in a safe location.”
“The family of the officer is in the thoughts and prayers of the Texas Tech community,” said Texas Tech President Lawrence Schovanec. “I want to express my deep appreciation to the Texas Tech Police Department, Lubbock Police Department, Lubbock Sherriff’s Office, and other state and federal law enforcement officials for their response.”
Gov. Greg Abbott said he has spoken with the university’s chancellor and mobilized all Lubbock-area Department of Public Safety troopers to help police search for the suspect.
Governor Greg Abbott has issued the following statement on the shooting that occurred at Texas Tech University this evening:
“First and foremost, our hearts go out to the family of the police officer killed at Texas Tech University. I have spoken to Chancellor Robert Duncan to offer my condolences, and I have mobilized the Texas Department of Public Safety to offer any assistance to the Lubbock Police Department. As the Texas Tech campus deals with this heartbreaking tragedy, Cecilia and I pray for the continued safety of the students and the entire community.”
This is a developing story. KXAN will update this page as we get additional information.