Over the weekend, three Waynesburg University students were injured at a mass shooting in Indiana, PA. 

As of this afternoon, the Pennsylvania State Police are still investigating the shooting, and there are no suspects in custody. They are asking for any information that may help in the investigation and track down the suspects. Additionally, the Pennsylvania Crime Stoppers and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms are both offering rewards for that information. 

The shooting broke out at a party at approximately midnight on Sunday, Oct. 8, in the Chevy Chase Community Center. The state police from Troop A, Indiana/Ebensburg were already monitoring the area after receiving a noise disturbance call earlier in the night, according to police reports. 

“Upon arrival, members of the mounted unit heard multiple gunshots originating from within the facility. A request for backup was made, and additional gunshots were heard, along with observing a large number of people exiting the building through doors and windows,” Lt. Col. George Bivens said in a press conference recorded Sunday by WCCS Radio and released by state police. “Members rendered immediate aid to obviously injured individuals collapsing outside the building while simultaneously, other members made entry into the building. Other victims were located, and the building was secured.” 

According to a press release from the state police, “at least nine people were shot” when they arrived on the scene. One victim was from Florida, another from Chicago and the rest were from Pennsylvania. All victims ranged from 18-23 years old.  

One of those nine individuals was pronounced deceased on the scene. Today, the Indiana County Coroner’s Office identified the deceased individual as 22-year-old Jamar Montae Porterfield Herriot Jr., of Homestead, PA. The other victims have yet to be identified at this time. 

According to an email sent to the Waynesburg University community from Stacey Brodak, vice president of Institutional Advancement and University Relations, on behalf of President Douglas G. Lee, of the injured people, three of them were from Waynesburg University.  

“Right now, our students involved in this incident and their families need your prayers,” Brodak wrote. “Please pray for all involved in this tragedy, for their medical team, for the recovery of our students and for strength and comfort for their family and friends.” 

There may have been more than one active shooter involved in the incident. When asked at the press conference if the shooting was the work of multiple gunmen, Bivens said, “yes.” 

As for the identity of the shooters, Trooper First Class Clifford Greenfield wrote in an email today that, “no suspects are in custody,” and that the, “investigation remains active and ongoing.”  

“We are actively working on a number of leads,” Bivens said in the press conference. 

Greenfield confirmed that the Pennsylvania Crime Stoppers is offering up to $10,000 for information regarding the whereabouts of the suspects. To submit a tip, visit this page: https://www.crimewatchpa.com/crimestoppers/316/cases/pa-state-police-investigating-mass-shooting-chevy-chase-community-center-white-township, or call at 1-800-4PA-TIPS. He also confirmed the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms is also offering up to $5,000 for the same information.  

The state police are asking anyone with information to contact Troop A at 724-357-1960, especially those that may have witnessed the shooting, according to Greenfield.