The Prairie View A&M University Department of Public Safety says it will implement precautionary safety measures as a result of a shooting that occurred Thursday, Feb. 1, in the University Village.A reliable source said gunfire erupted around 2:30 a.m. in Phases I & II, reportedly due to a conflict that originated at an event off campus. Reporting Officer Theodore Deaver, first to arrive at the scene, was later joined by Officer Howard Blunt and Security Attendant Reginald Jackson.
Police Chief Algray Pettus said, “As far as we can tell the whole incident started in Hempstead at a party and was brought back to campus. No injuries have been reported as of this date, although no one has been charged there are five primary suspects in the shooting.”
The shooting caused noticeable damage to an apartment and vehicles on campus. Bullets penetrated the doors, walls, and bathroom of one apartment. Windows were shattered and there was body damage to several vehicles that were caught in the line of fire. Four vehicles were also impounded as evidence in the investigation.
Several students have expressed discontent about the timeliness of police response.
Senior Jamil Hooper, whose car was impounded, said, “I think this is an example of how far we’ve put ourselves back. This is an institution of higher learning and things like this shouldn’t happen. It’s the innocent people who get hurt and it’s time for black men to wake up.”
Senior Daneric Johnson said, “To see that on this campus a few feet away from where I live doesn’t comfort me. I think that if there was a better response, it could have been different. Shots were fired in an open area, anyone could have been there.” Pettus assured students the department was looking into the allegations.
This incident left many campus residents in fear of their safety, and questioning what police would do to deter crime on campus. Pettus replied by suggesting, “Limiting access to the campus after certain hours, and better security in the parking lots.” Pettus also recommended students stay mindful of their environment and encouraged students to hold public forums to speak on campus issues.