Virginia Tech Shuts Down as Gunman Evades Police on Campus

By: KathyinBlacksburg
Published On: 8/21/2006 10:53:02 AM

[UPDATE: 11:44 AM.  Apparently, there is not a hostage situation at Squires, according to wdbj7.com. The suspect remains at large and likely in the vicinity of campus and the vicinity of Draper R., Miller St.,  Southgate Dr., etc.]

[Update: 11:47 AM.  Sheriff Tommy Whitt has announced that Sheriff's Deputy Erick Sutphin has been killed this morning.  Deputy Sutphin was previously honored with a medal of valour for his previosuly apprehending the killer of deputy Hilton a few years ago. Deputy Sutphin was injured in the line of duty during that apprehension.]

Virginia Tech cancelled classes today (the start of classes).  Additionally, I received my first ever robo-call from the Blacksburg Police Dept warning residents to lock their doors and stay inside.

Eary this AM --about 7 AM --a police officer was shot by the suspect in the vicinity of Miller St., the beginning of the Huckleberry Trail.  (This is also right near the Blacksburg Public Library and Police Dept.)  Recent information indicates that Squires Student Center has been evacuated.

This is an ongoing event, which began as this prisoner yesterday escaped Montgomery Regional Hospital in Blacksburg.  A hospital security guard was killed and a deputy shot.  The prisoner escaped on foot and has been at large since.

Earlier today areas south of Washington Street on campus were cordoned off.  But meanwhile, it appears the escapee may have managed to get into downtown and onto campus again.

For up-to-date info on this, please go to http://www.wdbj7.com

Comments



I've been sent back to my dorm (DanG - 8/21/2006 11:24:01 AM)
And been told not to leave for any reason.  Pray for the officer that has been killed.

Right now, there is a hostage situation on campus.  It's pretty horrible.



hang in there. (kevinceckowski - 8/21/2006 11:40:36 AM)
I hope one and all will be safe.
Just heard the officer died from his wounds, apprehended Marvo on Huckleberry trail, but the officer was shot.

They supposedly checked Squired student center, but did not find him.  What have you heard? kc.

Trying to phone my sister-in-law down there. Very concerned. kc.



I'm about 200-300 yards from the huckleberry (Doug Garnett-Deakin - 8/21/2006 1:06:30 PM)
Have been working from home, but just wandered out. There are police at every intersection with assault rifles and body armor. It's completely silent back here in the neighborhood. It really reminds me of being in Northern Virginia on Sept. 12 and 13th, 2001, but not the same crushing weight.

Right now there's really nothing I can know here that isn't on the news. The only odd thing is that they have the helicopters parked up the road at the airport and not circling.



Officer Suthpin Memorial fund (Doug Garnett-Deakin - 8/22/2006 8:08:40 PM)
Corporal Eric Sutphin had a 13-year career in law enforcement.  For the past three years, he has been with the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office.

He was 40 years old and leaves behind a wife, his twin daughters and his mother.

Funeral arrangements:

Visitation:  3:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at the Horne Funeral Home in Christiansburg.

Funeral:  11:00 a.m. Thursday at St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Christiansburg.

Donations for the Sutphin family can be dropped off at any First National Bank, or mailed to:

First National Bank
c/o Eric E. Sutphin Memorial Trust
PO Box 600
Christiansburg, VA 24068
Checks should be made payable to the Eric E. Sutphin Memorial Trust.