WKU News

This press release is a summary of the facts known at this time. This incident is still under investigation so this information is subject to change. Additional details will be released as they become available. 

On Tuesday, October 17, 2017, at approximately, 11:08 p.m., officers from the Western Kentucky University Police Department were notified that the Bowling Green Police Department was responding to a report of shots fired in the area of the Registry Apartments.

WKU Police arrived on scene moments later to assist BGPD with canvassing the area. While on scene, one caller advised they saw two black male subjects running from the Registry. Another caller advised they believed the shots were fired in the direction of a vehicle near Parking Structure One, while another caller observed a male subject run into McCormack Hall. WKU Police immediately responded to McCormack Hall, made contact with that subject, and was able to confirm he was not involved in the incident. A continued search of the area was conducted. There were no signs of a suspect or suspects.

Upon clearing the scene just shortly after midnight, a text message Alert was sent out by the WKU Police Department, advising the WKU community that WKU Police had assisted BGPD with the initial call, and advising that no evidence had been found that a shooting had taken place. Secondly, WKUPD wanted to assist in calming the concerns of the community as a result of the information that was being posted via social media. Our agency is currently reviewing our notification procedures.

The following day, at approximately 3:32 p.m., WKU Police were contacted by an individual who advised they had witnessed the shooting take place. Thanks to the witness who came forward, officers were able to locate shell casings on College Heights Blvd. near the intersection of University Blvd. Upon reviewing video footage, WKU Police were able to locate three unidentified subjects whom we know to be involved in the incident.

Investigators believe there may have been additional witnesses in the area at the time of the shooting and are requesting the public’s assistance in any information they may have related to the incident, or can identify any of the subjects in the photos. No motive has yet been established in this incident.  

The WKU Police Department encourages any witnesses with information regarding this shooting to contact the WKU Police Department at (270) 745-2548 or submit an anonymous tip via our website at www.wku.edu/police, or calling (270) 745-8773.

Contact: Tim Gray, (270) 745-2548