A professor on the University of Arizona was fatally shot Wednesday on the campus in Tucson, and a suspect was later apprehended by state police, authorities said.
The victim, Thomas Meixner, was the pinnacle of the department of hydrology and atmospheric sciences, university President Robert C. Robbins said in a press release.
“We’ve reached out to Dr. Meixner’s family, and ask that their grief and privacy be respected,” he said.
University Police Chief Paula Balafas identified the suspect as Murad Dervish, 46.
“It’s a tremendously tragic event. We feel so incredibly bad for the professor’s family, friends and colleagues, and our hearts really just exit to them,” Balafas said at a news conference.
A staffer called the university just before 2 p.m. and said a former student was within the John W. Harshbarger Constructing and mustn’t be there, Balafas said.
The caller asked police to escort the previous student out, however the shooting occurred before officers arrived, Balafas said. A handgun was used, she said.
The shooter then ran from the constructing through the fundamental doors, she said.
The Arizona Department of Public Safety arrested Dervish near Gila Bend, about 120 miles away, during a traffic stop at 5:10 p.m., Balafas said.
There have been no other injuries.
It was not clear whether there was any relationship between the suspect and the professor, and Balafas said she didn’t know of a motive.
Robbins declined to enter details on the investigation, referring questions to highschool police.
The university of around 47,000 students issued public safety alerts, canceled classes for the day and instructed everyone to go away campus or go to their dorms.
The university said counseling services were available to support students.
The incident is under investigation.
It was not clear whether Dervish had been charged or whether he had an attorney Wednesday night. A spokesperson for the Pima County district attorney didn’t immediately reply to a request for comment.
Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey tweeted that the state was able to assist the university in any way.
“Arizona is praying for the family and friends of the professor and people affected by today’s tragedy in Tucson,” Ducey wrote.
