Updated 4:30 p.m. PT, Nov. 4
Four people were injured and a suspect is deceased after a stabbing incident on the University of California, Merced, campus this morning (Nov. 4). The suspect, a male student, was shot by police and later died from his injuries, according to the UC Merced Police Department.
None of the victims’ injuries are believed to be life-threatening. Two of the victims were transported by helicopter to hospitals in Modesto, and the other two were treated on campus. All victims were conscious. The victims include two students, one staff member and one contractor.
“Events like this happen elsewhere, but not at UC Merced, which may be still small in student body but large in its sense of community — yet, it has happened,” Chancellor Dorothy Leland said in a press conference Wednesday afternoon. “As shocking and troubling as today’s act of violence is, I am thankful the incident was quickly brought under control by campus police under the leadership of Assistant Police Chief Chou Her and that the injuries to the victims do not appear to be life-threatening.”
The incident began shortly before 8 a.m. in a classroom in the Classroom and Office Building, Leland said. The suspect fled the scene, and was pursued by campus police before being apprehended.
The campus was closed for the day and all classes were canceled. Students, faculty and staff were not evacuated but were allowed to leave campus, and bus transportation was provided to help get people off campus. Tuolumne Hall, one of the campus’s residence halls, was later evacuated as the crime scene was expanded during the investigation.
The campus will be closed Thursday, Nov. 5, and all classes canceled, though counseling services will remain available. Additional information will be reported as it is confirmed. Visit emergency.ucmerced.edu or call 866-993-0969 for more information.
In times of crisis, the university provides a number of resources for students, faculty and staff. Counseling is available through Counseling & Psychological Services 24 hours a day — call 209-228-4266 to schedule an appointment or to talk with a counselor over the phone.
“Our first concern is for (the victims’) full recovery,” Leland said. “But I am equally concerned for the many witnesses and other members of the campus community who have been deeply traumatized by this event and are receiving counseling. We will continue to be offering counseling services in the days and weeks ahead.”
