In a distressing turn of events, Louisiana Tech University found itself at the center of a terrifying incident on Monday morning as a graduate student allegedly carried out a random stabbing spree on the campus grounds.
The accused, identified as 23-year-old student Jacoby Johnson, was swiftly apprehended by campus police following the attacks outside the Lambright Sports and Wellness Center. This sudden eruption of campus violence has left the university community shaken and seeking answers.
Chaos Unfolds Outside Lambright Sports and Wellness Center
The tranquility of Louisiana Tech University's campus was shattered around 9 a.m. on Monday when a violent incident unfolded outside the Lambright Sports and Wellness Center.
Four individuals, including one graduate student and three non-students, were attacked as they were leaving the recreation center.
The assailant, Jacoby Johnson, allegedly fled towards the main campus after the stabbings, creating a wave of panic among students and faculty.
University police were alerted to the stabbings at 9:08 a.m. and displayed commendable efficiency by apprehending Johnson within four minutes of the incident.
Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker revealed that three of the four victims suffered serious injuries and were promptly transported to a hospital in Shreveport.
The first victim, a graduate student, was the first to be taken to the Shreveport hospital, while the other victims, who were not students, were initially hospitalized in Ruston before being transferred to Shreveport.
Ruston Police Chief Steve Rogers provided further details, stating that Johnson was booked into jail Monday afternoon after receiving treatment for unspecified injuries.
Johnson faces four counts of attempted second-degree murder, as confirmed in a late afternoon news conference with Mayor Walker.
Rogers also mentioned that the weapon believed to have been used in the attacks was a folding knife with a blade estimated to be about four inches long.
Read Also: Johns Hopkins Hospital Found Guilty in Maya Kowalski Case on Netflix's 'Take Care of Maya'
Investigation Reveals Prior Police Contact
The investigation into the incident has revealed that Louisiana Tech University police had prior contact with Johnson approximately a week before the attack.
Ruston Police Chief Rogers, while providing scant details, stated, "We had one reported incident with him. It wasn't criminal. We went and checked him out and had people check him out. He was fine at that time."
The nature of this prior contact and its potential connection to the recent violence is yet to be unveiled.
This appears to be a random act of violence, emphasized the university's official statement, echoing the sentiment expressed by Ruston Daily Leader newspaper's interview with Louisiana Tech Police Chief Randall Hermes, who suggested that the assailant may have surprised the victims by running up behind them.
The attack, which occurred at the heart of Tech's Lambright Sports and Wellness Center, has left the university community grappling with shock and uncertainty.
Tech police's swift response to the emergency call at 9:08 a.m. and the subsequent apprehension of the suspect approximately four minutes later have been crucial in preventing further harm.
As the investigation unfolds, the Louisiana Tech University community is left seeking answers about the motive behind this seemingly unprovoked act of violence that has sent shockwaves through their campus.
