On Saturday, October 23, 2021, at approximately 1:40 a.m., the Department of Public Safety (DPS) responded to a “shots fired” call near the intersection of Euclid and Sumner Avenues. Upon arrival, the Syracuse Police Department (SPD) had already apprehended the suspect, who we have since come to learn is a Syracuse University student. SPD reportedly observed the student throw a handgun in the backyard of a home in the 500 block of Euclid Avenue. SPD quickly identified the suspect and took the individual into custody before any physical harm could be done. DPS and SPD worked together to secure a perimeter and safely evacuate the street of pedestrian traffic. The weapon used in the incident was found and secured. No physical injuries were reported.
The student was arrested and has been charged with second degree criminal possession of a weapon and criminal possession of a firearm, both felonies, and being held at the Onondaga County Justice Center. Additionally, the student has been issued an interim suspension from the University, which includes the immediate removal of the student from our campus. More significant sanctions may be imposed following the outcome of a full investigation and a disciplinary hearing.
If you were in the vicinity at the time and witnessed the incident, please contact the Syracuse Police Department at 315.442.5222 or the Syracuse University Department of Public Safety at 315.443.2224. If you would like to anonymously report NON-EMERGENCY information for DPS, you can use the Silent Witness tool or the Rave Guardian mobile app.
If you or someone you know has been affected by an incident on or near campus, please know that there are resources available to you. Students can access confidential counseling support 24 hours a day, seven days a week by contacting the Barnes Center at The Arch at 315.443.8000. In addition, the Dean of Students Office is available Monday through Friday by calling 315.443.4357 for students seeking on-going support. Faculty and staff can reach trained clinicians 24 hours a day, seven days a week through Carebridge, the University’s Faculty and Staff Assistant Program, by calling 800.437.0911. Hendricks Chapel is also available to all campus community members seeking additional support and services. They can be reached at 315.443.2901.
This public safety information is issued for your safety in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Act.