Crime
NO evidence of active shooter at Thomas Cooper Library in Columbia
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Authorities at the University of South Carolina in Columbia have issued an update following earlier reports of a possible active shooter near the Thomas Cooper Library at 1322 Greene Street.
According to the latest information, there is currently no evidence confirming the presence of an active shooter on campus.
Video footage circulating from the area shows an individual carrying an object; while some observers initially believed it to be a firearm, others have suggested it may have been an umbrella.
Despite this development, university officials continue to urge caution.
The emergency alert instructs students, faculty, staff, and the public to remain sheltered in place until an official all-clear is issued.
Those on campus are advised to avoid the Thomas Cooper Library area, evacuate if safely possible, or secure themselves in a locked and barricaded location.
The original alert described the individual of concern as a white male, approximately six feet tall, last seen wearing black pants.
At this time, no arrests have been made and the person has not been located.
The university’s alert further advises: “Defend yourself if you encounter the suspect. Obey all commands from public safety officials.”
This is still a developing situation, and officials emphasize that safety precautions should remain in effect until further notice.
Additional updates will be provided as soon as new information becomes available.
Authorities have identified the man shot and killed Friday afternoon in a parking lot outside a Little Caesars restaurant in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood.
The victim has been named as Stevens Jeffrey, 29, according to police and the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office.
The shooting occurred in the 2600 block of West Cermak Road near Rockwell Street at approximately 1:10 p.m., according to the Chicago Police Department (CPD).
Preliminary reports indicate that Jeffrey was sitting in his vehicle when he was approached by an unknown vehicle.
An armed individual exited that vehicle and opened fire, striking Jeffrey multiple times in the face and body.
Emergency responders arrived on the scene, where Jeffrey was pronounced dead. He was discovered inside his vehicle with his two young children, ages 4 and 6, who were unharmed.
Both children were transported to Stroger Hospital for precautionary evaluation.
The shooting took place in the parking lot of a Little Caesars restaurant, where investigators recovered multiple shell casings and placed numerous evidence markers on the ground.
As of Friday evening, no suspects are in custody, and detectives from the CPD Area Four Homicide Unit are leading the investigation. Police have not released information on a possible motive.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about this homicide to contact Chicago Police or submit an anonymous tip at CPDTip.com.