CORRECTION: Virginia State University originally misreported Bruce Foster’s age. The article has been updated for accuracy.
CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — A Virginia State University campus police officer is doing better after being shot near campus.
At about 1:34 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 12, police responded to the 3400 block of Boisseau Street for a report that a VSU Police officer was shot while investigating a disturbance, according to Chesterfield County Police.
The officer, later identified as 38-year-old Bruce Foster, was taken to VCU Medical Center with life-threatening injuries.
The suspect got away from the scene and has not yet been found, according to Gwen Williams Dandridge, assistant vice president for communications at VSU.
The university’s campus was placed on lockdown as a precaution, according to an announcement sent by VSU at 7:29 a.m. Sunday. The lockdown was later lifted at 12:06 p.m. Sunday.
Edward Johnson is a United States Marine Corps retired sergeant major who served 24 years with two in combat.
Johnson tells 8News he’s used to the sounds and feeling of being shot at but fears for his community as no one is bulletproof.
“I heard it on the news… yup. I just shook my head because I got shot at enough when I was in Vietnam,” Johnson said. “They’re going to have to do something, every time you turn around, they’re shooting somebody.”
As investigations continue, campus Police Chief David Bragg says the presence of law enforcement will be increased to ensure the safety of students.
“The VSU community will see State Police patrolling around the area, Colonial Heights in their police cars patrolling around the area as well as Petersburg and Chesterfield.” Bragg said, “We are Trojan strong, we’re going to be strong [and] we’re going to make sure that we do everything for justice.”
Police will continue their investigation into this incident as the suspect remains on the run.
Law enforcement agencies on the local, state and federal levels will also be assisting with Chesterfield County Police leading the investigation.
Anyone with information should contact the Chesterfield County Police Department at 804-748-1251.
