3 Shot, Injured At Towson University: Police

TOWSON, MD — Three people were shot and injured on the Towson University campus early Saturday morning, according to officials. Police said the victims were being treated at area hospitals. Their injuries were not believed to be life-threatening, according to officials.

One victim was a student, and police said she was in stable condition. The other victims were not affiliated with Towson University, officials reported.

The shooting occurred around 2 a.m. and was believed to be an "isolated incident," according to Baltimore County Police Chief Melissa Hyatt.

"Our detectives literally right now are on the campus, are at the hospital, and are doing a canvass," Hyatt said at a news conference before 8 a.m. "We will provide more information when we have it, but right now it's just too soon to put out anything."

UPDATE: Towson Shooting Suspect Was Among 3 Shot On Campus, Police Say

The county executive said police responded quickly and asked for anyone with information to come forward.

"This act of violence on one of our college campuses is extremely troubling," Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski said in a statement. "We are committed to keeping all of our residents safe, including those in our university communities."

The three people who were shot had been in a group gathered at Freedom Square, which is on the academic part of the Towson University campus, Towson University President Kim Schatzel and Vice President of Student Affairs Vernon Hurte said in a statement.

"At this time, the scene is secure," Schatzel and Hurte said at 7 a.m. Saturday in a statement about the shooting. "However, we're encouraging everyone, including all students, to remain away from the academic part of campus as police activity is ongoing."

Freedom Square tends to attract gatherings, according to Towson University's Interim Vice President of Communications Sean Welsh.

"If you're familiar with campus, it's somewhat downhill from the university library, and it's a common gathering spot for student events on campus," Welsh said.

He said the university was still working to determine what kind of gathering happened at 2 a.m.

"It wasn't planned; it wasn't a university sanctioned or approved event," Welsh said. "These types of events occasionally will pop up on a public university campus, but this was one that was not planned or sanctioned by the university for the weekend."

It is the first week of the academic year for students, according to Welsh, who said there were a "number of programs being held around campus this weekend" to engage students.

Overnight, Towson University emailed and texted students, faculty and staff as well as families of students about the shooting, according to Welsh.

Those on campus are not the only ones impacted.

"Due to police activity on the campus of Towson University, the course for the Charles Street 12 Mile Run this morning is being rerouted," police reported. "The new route will travel Kenilworth Drive to southbound Charles Street. From Charles Street, the original race route will resume."

Anyone with information about the shooting who may have details or video is asked to call the Baltimore County Police Department at 410-307-2020.

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