On Thursday, March 17, the Department of Public Safety sent campus-wide update regarding an off-campus shooting that took place on Tuesday, March 15.
According to the update, the incident occurred on Elmer T. Hawkins Drive — “several blocks from the WC campus.” As of March 18, a person of interest regarding the incident has been identified and is “being sought for questioning by law enforcement.”
Additionally, as of March 18, evidence police believe is related to the shooting has been discovered in the wooded area between the south and west sides of the College campus. The area has since been taped off and labeled as an active crime scene, and, as it is awaiting investigators for further examination, WC students, staff, and faculty are advised to avoid this sector until further notice.
One male victim, 49, was “airlifted from the scene with serious injuries…to the R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore by Maryland State Police Aviation,” according to the update. As of March 16, the victim is in stable condition.
According to the update, PS encourages the WC campus to continue “be[ing] aware of [one’s] surroundings and report[ing] suspicious activity to PS or to the police” and utilizing on-campus resources such as Safe Ride or asking for PS escort whenever possible.
“While Chestertown remains a very safe place, this reminds us that no community is immune to occasional acts of violence,” the update said. “As always, we encourage our students, employees, and guests to practice basic safety precautions.”
As of time of print, detectives with the Kent County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division and other cooperating agencies are continuing to investigate the incident. There is no current or active threat on or near the WC campus.
Anyone with information regarding the incident is being asked to contact the division at (410) 778-2279.