All suspects in custody after Virginia shooting that killed 3 and wounded 3 others, authorities say
SPOTSYLVANIA COUNTY, Va. (AP) — All suspects were in custody early Wednesday after a shooting that killed three people and wounded three others in Virginia, authorities said.
The Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office announced in a social media post only that all suspects were in custody and there was no threat to public safety. It said additional details would be released later.
On Tuesday evening, 911 calls came in about a shooting at a town house complex in Spotsylvania County, just outside Fredericksburg and about 65 miles (105 kilometers) southwest of Washington, said Maj. Elizabeth Scott, spokesperson for the sheriff’s office.
Officials had urged people to avoid the area and those near the scene to stay indoors while authorities investigate, she said. Area schools delayed openings by two hours Wednesday morning.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below.
SPOTSYLVANIA COUNTY, Va. (AP) — Authorities searched Wednesday for multiple shooters after saying they may have carried out a shooting that killed three people and wounded three others in Virginia.
On Tuesday evening, 911 calls came in about a shooting at a town house complex in Spotsylvania County, just outside Fredericksburg and about 65 miles (105 kilometers) southwest of Washington, said Maj. Elizabeth Scott, spokesperson for the Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office.
Officials urged people to avoid the area and those near the scene to stay indoors while authorities investigate, she said. Area schools delayed openings by two hours Wednesday morning.
The shooting may have been committed by more than one person, according to Scott. There were no immediate arrests or publicly released information about a possible motive.
“There’s dozens upon dozens of officers out actively looking for suspects and preserving the crime scene,” Scott said.
The three injured people were taken to hospitals with gunshot wounds. Their conditions and other information about them was not immediately available.
All of the victims were found outside, according to Scott.
“We will be here all night until we find the suspects,” she said during an evening news conference.
Authorities also asked for any witnesses to send any video that could help the investigation.
Fredericksburg City Public Schools announced on its website that schools would start two hours late Wednesday “in light of the profound impact this incident has had on members of our school community.”
“This delay will allow us the necessary time to prepare our buildings and staff to welcome students with the care and support they may need during this difficult time,” the statement said.
Spotsylvania County Public Schools also announced a two-hour delay Wednesday, saying it would allow staff to have support in place to help students and staff who may have been impacted. The support included additional deputies and presence from the sheriff’s office at each of the high schools, the school system said on its website.