​Professor Shot Dead At The University Of Arizona, Suspect In Custody

TUSCON, ARIZONA – A suspect is in custody after a University of Arizona professor was shot dead on campus Wednesday.

According to statements from the university, a person entered the John W. Harshbarger Building around 2 p.m. and fatally shot one victim, later identified as Dr. Thomas Meixner, professor and department head of the Department of Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences.

Just after 5 p.m., the Arizona Department of Public Safety located the suspect after conducting a traffic stop on a vehicle outside of Gila Bend, according to the University of Arizona Police Department. The driver, Murad Dervish, 46, was taken into custody.

“This incident is a deep shock to our community, and it is a tragedy,” University of Arizona President Robert C. Robbins said in a statement. “I have no words that can undo it, but I grieve with you for the loss, and I am pained, especially for Tom’s family members, colleagues and students.”

For updates and student, staff and community resources, visit www.arizona.edu.