ARIZONA (Washington Insider Magazine)- On Wednesday, a University of Arizona professor was shot and killed on the Tucson campus. State police later caught the suspect, according to the authorities.
Thomas Meixner, the victim, was the head of the department of hydrology and atmospheric sciences, according to a statement from university president Robert C. Robbins.
Murad Dervish, 46, was the suspect, according to Paula Balafas, the chief of the university police.
Just before 2:00 p.m., a staff member phoned the university to report that a former student shouldn’t be at the John W. Harshbarger Building.
The caller requested that police accompany the ex-student out, but the shooting took place before they arrived, according to Balafas. She said a handgun was used.
According to her, the gunman then fled the scene through the front doors.
At 5:10 p.m., a traffic check by the Arizona Department of Public Safety resulted in the arrest of Dervish at Gila Bend, some 120 miles away, according to Balafas.
There were no more casualties.
Although Balafas claimed to be unaware of the motive, it was unclear whether the professor and the suspect had any connection.
Robbins declined to provide any information on the investigation and directed questions to school police.
According to NBC NEWS, the institution, which has over 47,000 students, issued public safety advisories, canceled lectures for the day, and ordered everyone to leave campus or head to their dorms.
According to the institution, counseling services are offered to help students.
The incident is being investigated.
On Wednesday night, it was unclear if Dervish had been charged or if he was represented by a lawyer. A seeking comment was not immediately answered by the district attorney for Pima County.
Gov. Doug Ducey of Arizona stated on Twitter that the state was prepared to help the university in any manner possible.
“Arizona is praying for the family and friends of the professor and those affected by today’s tragedy in Tucson,” Ducey wrote.
