An apparent domestic situation in Greenville that led to the shooting death of a local woman prompted a precautionary lockdown of the Greenville University campus Thursday night.
Though all campus buildings have automated locks that prevent unauthorized persons from gaining entry after hours, University officials issued a GU Alert order directing students to shelter in place to ensure their safety and to allow police to apprehend the suspects.
GU Campus Safety Director Shawn Foles said Friday morning that he worked in concert with the Greenville Police Department and the Illinois State Police to keep the campus safe after shots were reported about 7:30 pm Thursday in the 600 block of East South Street.
Foles said that the individuals allegedly involved in the incident are not students and are not affiliated with the University. “It was an isolated incident between suspects known to each other,” he said.
Greenville University President Suzanne Davis, in a statement to the campus community Friday morning, said that “the disturbance that happened last night near campus has been mitigated.” She added: “Although none of our students or employees were involved in any way, the shooting that occurred near our campus was very disconcerting, to say the least. Please join me in appreciation and prayer for our local law enforcement officers and Illinois State Police officers who worked through the night to keep us safe.”
With the apprehension of all known suspects, University officials released students from the shelter-in-place order at about 1 am Friday. Classes were held as usual Friday. University officials are working to make counseling available to students as needed following the incident.
Foles said that the safe outcome of the situation highlights the University’s good working relationship with the Greenville Police Department. “The safety measures we have in place worked,” he said. “The GU Alert system allowed us to get information to students quickly. And the lights, locks, and cameras on campus protected our students and staff.”
“This is an unusual occurrence in our community,” Foles added, “and we’re thankful it was resolved safely for the University’s students and staff.”
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