Four stabbed on Louisiana Tech campus in 'random act of violence,' 3 hospitalized

Four people were stabbed Monday morning on the campus of Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, Louisiana, according to the university.

The attack happened outside of the Lambright Sports and Wellness Center as the people were leaving. The suspect, identified by the university as 23-year-old student Jacoby Johnson, fled but was apprehended by campus police within minutes without incident.

“This appears to be a random act of violence,” the university’s statement said. “It sounds like he ran up behind them and surprised them,” Ruston Police Chief Randall Hermes told the Ruston Daily Leader.

Of the four people stabbed, one was a graduate student, who was reported in serious but stable condition after being airlifted to a Shreveport hospital. The other victims were not students. Two were at the hospital in Ruston, one in serious condition; the other, critical. A fourth victim refused treatment.

The Lambright Sports and Wellness Center is a recreation center for students and the Ruston community. Campus police received a call at 9:08 and the suspect was reported in custody around 9:12, the university said.

The investigation is ongoing, and the university officials are expected to provide an update later.

Contributing: Associated Press

Ian Robinson can be reached on X, formerly known as Twitter @_irobinson and on Facebook at https://bit.ly/3vln0w1.