Worcester State Shooting Suspect Arrested In New York: DA

WORCESTER, MA — An 18-year-old who is the main suspect in Saturday's deadly shooting at Worcester State University was arrested in New York Thursday morning, according to officials.

Kevin Rodriguez, a former Lawrence resident, was wanted on a warrant for possession of a firearm and armed intent to murder. Authorities believe he opened fire in a crowded Worcester State parking lot early Saturday morning.

According to Worcester County District Attorney Joseph Early Jr., Randy Armando Melendez Jr. died after the shooting. The second victim, a 21-year-old, sustained minor injuries.

"Worcester Police, Worcester State University Police, Massachusetts State Police, the Massachusetts State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section, the U.S. Marshals Service and Massachusetts State Police Detectives assigned to the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office all worked in collaboration to locate and apprehend Rodriguez," Worcester County DA Joseph Early Jr. said in a news release.

The shooting forced the campus into lockdown as police investigated the violence. The school canceled all weekend activities and classes on Monday. The campus has since reopened with resources available for students and staff affected by the shooting.

Neither Rodriguez, Melendez nor the 21-year-old victim were Worcester State students, Early has said.