U.S. Marshals Catch Up With Alleged Suspect In April ISU Shooting Near Bone Center

NORMAL, IL — A 19-year-old Chicago man was arrested in Chicago in connection to a shots-fired incident on the Illinois State University campus in April, authorities said. Emir Thomas is facing felony charges of attempted murder, aggravated battery-discharge of a firearm, and aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon.

According to the Illinois State University police, a fight started between two groups of people at the campus' Bone Student Center the evening of April 27. One person suffered a non-life-threatening gunshot wound. Police called it “an isolated incident.” The alleged shooter, identified as Thomas, was said to have fled the scene and was on the lam until U.S. Marshals caught up with him in Chicago.

The shooting prompted campus police to issue a shelter-in-place alert to students. Thomas is not a student at the university.

>>> Shooting At ISU: Police Release Photos Of Person Of Interest

ISU police reviewed hours of public safety camera footage, examined evidence, interview numerous witnesses, and consulted closely with Illinois State Police and the McLean County State’s Attorney’s Office, resulting in charges.

“We recognize that waiting for the full results of an investigation can feel uncertain and unsettling,” ISU Police Chief Aaron Woodruff said in a statement. “Throughout this process, our community’s safety and well-being have remained our highest priorities. I want to thank our officers, dispatchers, and our law enforcement partners for their diligence, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the safety of our campus community.”