ILLINOIS — A 19-year-old man from Chicago has been arrested and charged in connection with a shooting at Illinois State University’s Bone Student Center that occurred in April, police announced this week.
The suspect, Emir Thomas, was taken into custody in Chicago following a multi-agency investigation led by Illinois State University Police. Officials confirmed that Thomas has no affiliation with the university.
Charges Filed After Campus Violence
Thomas is facing multiple felony charges, including:
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Attempted murder
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Aggravated battery with discharge of a firearm
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Aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon
Authorities say these charges stem from an incident on April 27, when a fight between two groups broke out around 7:40 p.m. inside the Bone Student Center. During the altercation, Thomas allegedly fired a gun, striking one person. The victim survived and their injuries were not life-threatening, police said.
Suspect Fled, Later Captured in Chicago
Following the shooting, Thomas reportedly fled the scene, prompting an extensive investigation. Law enforcement reviewed hours of surveillance footage, collected evidence, and interviewed multiple witnesses over the course of several weeks.
With assistance from Illinois State Police and the McLean County State’s Attorney’s Office, ISU police were able to identify and apprehend the suspect in Chicago.
The full arrest details were confirmed in a report by FOX 32 Chicago.
University Responds to Campus Concerns
In a statement, ISU Police Chief Aaron Woodruff thanked officers and partner agencies for their efforts, acknowledging the uncertainty that lingered during the investigation:
“We recognize that waiting for the full results of an investigation can feel uncertain and unsettling. Throughout this process, our community’s safety and well-being have remained our highest priorities.”
In response to the incident, all events at the Bone Student Center were canceled the following day. Officials have not yet released further details about the case or the circumstances that led to the altercation.
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