By John Ostapowicz / The Jambar
Youngstown State University Police Department responded to an alleged assault involving an airsoft gun at 10:39 p.m. Sept. 21 near the Daniel H. Becker Family Fountain Commons.
A group of several YSU students were fired upon by a male suspect, described to be in his early 20s. He was headed east on a bicycle and then proceeded to travel north towards Elm Street.
According to eye-witness accounts, the male pulled out an airsoft gun and opened fire at the group of students, shouting, “Go back to your country.”
Two individuals were reported to have been hit by airsoft BBs. One was hit on the right wrist and the other on the right shoulder, although there were no observable injuries.
YSU Police Chief Shawn Varso said the investigation is ongoing and has uploaded photos of the suspect on YSU Police’s Facebook.
“It is currently an active investigation and is our priority right now. We’ve pretty much dropped everything else and we are investigating it to our fullest extent,” Varso said.
YSU President Bill Johnson made a statement in response to the community’s concerns.
“I am extremely concerned about this senseless act of violence. There is no place for this anywhere, especially on our campus. Our students’ safety is our number one priority, and no matter who they are, they deserve to feel safe when on our campus,” Johnson stated. “Our YSU Police Department is conducting a full investigation, and I am monitoring the progress. I have every intention of holding the responsible person or persons accountable.”
Anyone with more information is encouraged to contact the YSU Police Investigative Division at 330-941-7220.
