The University of Wisconsin Police Department (UWPD) and the Madison Police Department are investigating a shooting that occurred Tuesday afternoon on the 100 block of State Street. At least one person was injured, according to an MPD incident report.
Students received an off-campus alert issued by the UWPD. Officers were dispatched to the location of the shooting around 3:30 p.m.
In a press conference at the Wisconsin Historical Museum, MPD Police Chief Shon Barnes explained that there was one person who suffered from a gunshot wound. This individual has been transported to an area hospital where they are currently receiving treatment.
Barnes also explained how he believes this incident may have been a targeted attack.
“It appears that there was some type of occupation where it looks like the shooter may have known the potential victim,” Barnes said. “What that relationship is, we don’t know.”
The suspect reportedly took off running, and officers remain searching the area. Barnes asked that people avoid the area as police and detectives continue to investigate.
“As for right now, we don’t have any reason to believe that those in the immediate area should be concerned, but, someone had a weapon, and they fired that weapon in the public, so we should all be concerned about that,” Barnes said.
The suspect is still at large, and this remains a “very active scene,” according to the report. Local authorities are advising the community to avoid the area.
Editor’s note: This story will be updated as more information about the incident becomes available.
Ellie Bourdo is the features editor for The Daily Cardinal. Ellie previously served as associate news editor, where she specialized in breaking news and University of Wisconsin-System news reporting. She also works at WisPolitics. Follow Ellie on Twitter at @elliebourdo.