A second suspect has been arrested in a shooting at Morgan State University that left five people injured during homecoming celebrations at the historically black college in Northeast Baltimore, federal authorities said Monday.
Jovon Williams, 18, was arrested Friday and charged with attempted first-degree murder and other charges, according to the U.S. Marshals Service. He was taken into custody in Washington, D.C., where he also faces drug and firearms charges in an unrelated case.
Police have already arrested another teen who they believe was involved in the shooting, but he has not been publicly identified because he is a minor. Officials said neither suspect had a known connection to the university.
The shooting took place Oct. 3 after a crowning ceremony for this year’s Mr. and Miss Morgan State. Students were heading from a campus auditorium to the student center for a coronation ball when gunfire dispersed them. Four of the victims were students and police believe the intended target was not among those injured.
The campus was on lockdown for hours because officers believed there was an active shooter threat. University officials canceled classes and homecoming activities for the remainder of the week.
Detectives believe the shooting stemmed from an argument and involved two shooters.
The Maryland public defender’s office said in an email Monday that it was too early to say whether it would represent Williams in the Baltimore case.
Williams had been wanted by law enforcement since June on federal gun and drug charges in Washington, according to a news release Monday from the U.S. Marshals Service.
Police announced the arrests this summer of 12 other indicted co-conspirators, whom prosecutors called the “Kennedy Street Crew.” The group is accused of openly selling drugs in northwest Washington state and using guns to protect its territory.
Baltimore leaders praised law enforcement involved in Williams’ arrest for getting him off the streets.
“The Morgan State community was forced to confront the violent and reckless decision of a few individuals who had no respect for the lives around them,” Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott said in a statement. communicated. “I hope this will be a sign to everyone that if you enter the city of Baltimore and put lives in danger and hurt people, we will not rest until you are held accountable.”
Detectives were able to identify the suspected shooters using surveillance video from the university campus. Days after the Oct. 3 shooting, authorities released surveillance footage and asked for the public’s help in finding the individuals shown.
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