MACOMB/MOLINE, IL – Western Illinois University freshman Kavion Poplous 18, of Chicago, is in custody in Chicago. He has been charged with Attempted First-Degree Murder, Aggravated Battery and Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm. Poplous turned himself in at a Chicago Police Department (CPD) precinct and was taken into custody by the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), with assistance of the CPD, at approximately 1:35 p.m. today (Wednesday, Sept. 16). See 1:30 a.m. Sept. 16 update for initial details regarding the Sept. 15 incident.
While the suspect has been taken into custody, the Macomb and Quad Cities campuses will remain closed today (Wednesday, Sept. 16). The University will resume its regular operations, including classes, Thursday, Sept. 17. Campus buildings will remain locked through the end of today (Sept. 16), and all campus residence halls will remain locked through the weekend to ensure residents’ privacy.
“I want to thank the swift work of our Office of Public Safety and other law enforcement personnel and first responders for the assistance they provided,” said Interim President Martin Abraham. “I’d also like to thank law enforcement, as well as our student services staff and so many others, who worked quickly to ensure our students’ safety. Our thoughts are with our student who remains hospitalized, and we pray for a speedy recovery.”
The victim was transported to McDonough District Hospital in Macomb and then transferred to another hospital. As of 2:20 p.m., there are no further updates regarding his condition.
MACOMB, IL – At approximately 10:38 p.m. Sept. 15, the Western Illinois University Office of Public Safety was notified of a student who had been shot in Thompson Hall. At the same time, a fire alarm pull station was activated in Thompson, and the building was evacuated.
A male resident of Thompson was shot by a person known to him, who then fled the scene. The incident was related to a roommate dispute, and police believe this is an isolated incident. Police have identified the suspect as freshman Kavion Poplous, 18. He is considered armed and dangerous. A search for the suspect is underway. Individuals with information should call 9-1-1 immediately or contact Macomb Area Crimestoppers (800) 222-TIPS or (309) 836-2222 or https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=686# .
The victim was transported to McDonough District Hospital and transferred to another hospital. His condition is unknown.
Residents of Thompson Hall have been relocated. Updates will be posted at wiu.edu.
UPDATE: WIU Closed Sept. 16 (Posted 5:05 a.m. 9/16)
MACOMB/MOLINE, IL – Western Illinois University Macomb and Quad Cities campuses will be closed Wednesday, Sept. 16. All buildings, including residence halls, will be locked.
Medical, health care and counseling personnel, as well as all Facilities Management staff, must report to work as scheduled unless directed otherwise by a supervisor. Employees working in essential positions may be required to work their regular hours. Essential versus nonessential employees is determined by the supervisor and will depend on the nature of the situation.
Counseling and support services are available to students, faculty and staff. Individuals may contact (309) 298-2453. In addition, counselors will be working with students in the halls.
***Report courtesy of Western Illinois University***
