Western University has confirmed it was one of its students who was seriously hurt in a drive-by BB gun shooting.
The incident happened around midnight on Wednesday on Broughdale Avenue, a dead-end street near the university's campus. A group of friends were walking along the north sidewalk when a vehicle drove by them. A passenger pointed what appeared to be a handgun from a back window and fired.
An 18-year-old woman was hit by what London police called a "projectile" and was taken to hospital with serious, non-life threatening injuries. There are reports she was struck in the eye.
"We are supporting our student and their family, as well as friends who may have witnessed the incident," Western President Alan Shepard said in a statement. "There is nothing more important than the safety and well-being of our students."
Shepard added that the university is working with London police to support the investigation.
"To have this happen at any time of year is unsettling. To see this happen at the start of the school year, when many students are coming to campus and away from home for the first time, is that much more difficult," said Shepard. "We will be wrapping our arms even tighter around our students at this time."
Police are still searching for a suspect in the case. The vehicle involved is described as a dark, possibly black, four door sedan.
On Thursday afternoon, police described the incident as aggravated assault.
London police believe there are people who have information related to the identities of those responsible and are urging them to come forward.
Anyone with video surveillance from dash cameras, cellphones or doorbell cameras from Broughdale Avenue, Audrey Avenue or Richmond Street are encouraged to contact police at 519-661-5670 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
