Crime
Cruel Hoax active shooter alert at Villanova University
UPDATE: Active shooter alert at Villanova was the result of a ‘cruel hoax,’ university president says
VILLANOVA, Pa. — Authorities and campus officials are responding to reports of a possible active shooter incident at Villanova University, prompting an immediate shelter-in-place order for students and staff during freshmen orientation class of 2029.
Late Thursday afternoon, the university issued an emergency alert instructing students to lock and barricade doors, remain inside secure locations, and avoid the area around the Charles Widger School of Law at Scarpa Hall.
Multiple individuals on campus reported hearing gunfire, which led to students and faculty rushing into nearby buildings and taking cover under desks as the situation unfolded.
County law enforcement sources confirmed they are monitoring the incident and noted they have received information suggesting there may be a possible gunshot victim, though no injuries have been officially confirmed at this time.
University officials emphasized that safety remains the top priority and urged the community to continue following emergency protocols until an all-clear is issued.
The investigation remains active, and additional information will be provided as it becomes available.
Coffee County, Ala. — A homicide investigation is underway after a fatal shooting at a residence near Kinston on Monday morning, authorities confirmed.
According to Coffee County Sheriff Scott Byrd, deputies responded at approximately 7:51 a.m. to a reported shooting along County Road 483, just off County Road 89 in the Kinston area.
Upon arrival, law enforcement discovered a deceased individual at the scene.
Officials later indicated the shooting stemmed from a domestic dispute between two individuals, though additional details have not yet been released.
Authorities identified the suspect as Joseph Levi Jackson, who was wanted in connection with the shooting death of his father.
Jackson was initially reported to have fled the scene on foot and was considered armed and dangerous.
The search involved multiple agencies, including the Coffee County Sheriff’s Department, Covington County Sheriff’s Office, Geneva County Sheriff’s Office, and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), including troopers and State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) agents.
State tracking dogs were deployed as part of the coordinated search effort, particularly near Hattaway Road and Charolais Road, off Covington County Road 89.
Jackson was last described as wearing a black and red flannel shirt, blue jeans, and a black baseball cap.
Law enforcement urged residents not to approach the suspect and to contact 911 with any information.
Following an intensive search, Sheriff Byrd confirmed that Jackson was located and taken into custody without further incident.
Authorities have not yet announced formal charges but confirmed that the investigation is being led by ALEA.
The suspect’s temporary flight prompted Kinston School to delay its opening on Monday morning. School officials later announced a full closure for the day out of an abundance of caution.
In a statement, school administrators thanked local law enforcement for their swift and professional response, emphasizing that the safety of students, staff, and families remains their top priority.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue processing the scene and gathering additional information.