At least one person has been confirmed killed at a university in Utah, following reports of multiple shots being fired at the campus late Monday.
RELATED:
Deadliest US Mass Shooting, Death Toll Rises to 59 and 527 Injured
Twenty-four-year-old Austin Boutain has been identified by Salt Lake City Police Department (SLCPD) as a suspect.
“If you are in this area, please stay where you are,” Sgt. Brandon Shearer of the SLCPD said in a press briefing.
ABC4 reported that there was a heavy police presence in the area, dozens of officers with full body armor and AR15 rifles. Additionally, the newscast said that there were a canine unit and an armored vehicle on campus.
Earlier, the University of Utah issued warnings - on social media - instructing their student body to secure themselves while the police officials aid in the search to apprehend the culprit who remains at large.
CAMPUS ALERT: Shots fired, Red Butte Canyon. Shelter in place.
— University of Utah (@UUtah) October 31, 2017
MORE INFORMATION TO COME.
CAMPUS ALERT UPDATE: Continue to secure in place. Active police situation. Heavy police presence in Red Butte Canyon and surrounding areas.
— University of Utah (@UUtah) October 31, 2017
According to the university, the suspect is a white adult male with a facial tattoo, clad in black and sporting a beanie with a cross.
CAMPUS ALERT: Suspect male, white adult. Black clothing, beanie with cross, tear-drop tattoo on face. Possible forest green pick-up CO plate
— University of Utah (@UUtah) October 31, 2017
Shots were heard at about 9:30 p.m. following which the campus was placed on lockdown.
A helicopter belonging to the Utah Department of Public Safety was dispatched to help the university's police search party.