THOMASVILLE – The campus of Thomas University is breathing a sigh of relief tonight. This, after a shooting reported this afternoon near campus. A bullet hit the Student Life Center on Thomas University’s Magnolia campus.
Authorities say the shot came from off-campus at the corner of Pear and South Street.
“Closed until further notice”– This sign is now sitting outside the Student Life Center, after a stray bullet shattered one of the building’s windows.
Robert Bohman, the Vice President of Student Affairs, said, “That part is scary because you really don’t know, with the way society is today random incidents do occur. You always have to be prepared.”
According to the Thomasville Police Department, the call came in just before 3 p.m, Monday, saying shots were fired near the university.
Bohman said, “I immediately came outside to see what was going on. Low and behold as I was walking around the corner of the building, an actual bullet had actually penetrated one of the building windows.”
Police say the shot wasn’t fired on campus, in fact, it came from across the street.
Major Eric Hampton said, “This bullet traveled about a block and a half and through the window of a building. Someone could have been hurt very badly, fortunately that was not the case.”
Witnesses say there were two students running on the treadmill at the time. The bullet missed them by just a few inches. TU says while they’re glad no one was hurt, this incident is proof the school must always be prepared.
Robert Bohman said, “The fact that we were able to lock down in a matter of a minute or two and the fact that the police responded within a minute or two was phenomenal,”
Police are looking for two cars believed to be involved– both are sedans, one is white and the other is green.
