SACRAMENTO, Calif., Oct. 22 -- California State University Sacramento issued the following press release:
Sacramento State officials offered sympathy Thursday to the family of a student who died following an altercation on campus Oct. 21.
Campus police were called to the American River Courtyard residence hall at 2:23 p.m. regarding a disturbance. One student, Scott Hawkins, 23, was allegedly beaten by a suite mate, Quran Jones, 19.
When officers arrived, Jones confronted them with a knife, according to police. Officers fired several pepper balls at him when he refused to drop the knife, but it had no effect and when he charged the officers, they fired their weapons, police say.
Police found Hawkins on the floor with extensive injuries. He later died at UC Davis Medical Center.
Jones underwent surgery for his gunshot wounds and is listed in stable condition. He is under arrest on an open count of homicide and attempted murder of a police officer.
Police quickly contained the incident and ensured there was no further danger to the campus. A motive has not been determined.
'I want to express my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Scott Hawkins, who died yesterday in a terrible act of violence,' Sacramento State President Alexander Gonzalez said at the Thursday press conference. 'His life was far too short, and this is a tragedy that affects everyone in the Sacramento State community.'
Campus Police Chief Dan Davis and Vice President for Student Affairs Lori Varlotta also made statements and answered reporters' question.
'The brave officers who responded to the scene contained the incident and prevented further loss of life,' Gonzalez said. 'They risked their lives to protect the campus community, and they have my most sincere thanks for their courage.'
Sacramento State officials quickly arranged help for members of the campus community who needed to talk with someone. Crisis counselors were available to residence hall students Wednesday night. The students could also reach a chaplain through a special number. Psychological services are available to students through Sacramento State's Health Center at (916) 278-6416 during business hours. Faculty and staff can obtain counseling services through the Employee Assistance Program, (916) 278-5018.
A special website, www.csus.edu/pa/CampusSafety was set up with contact information and news updates. And a hotline was established at (916) 614-3277 with a recorded message guiding callers to campus resources.
The criminal investigation is being led by the Sacramento Police Department. Sacramento State police and administrators are cooperating fully and assisting the investigation.
For media assistance, call Sacramento State's Public Affairs office at (916) 278-6156.For more information please contact: Sarabjit Jagirdar, Email:- htsyndication@hindustantimes.com.
