Follow Up to East Campus Shelter in Place on January 26

Dear Colleagues,

I wanted to give you an update on the police activity at East Campus on Friday afternoon, January 26, which led to a shelter-in-place status for about 90 minutes.

According to Tucson Police, which is leading the investigation, a car driven by 23-year-old Devon Sullivan Thompson was approached by a group of people near the William M. Clements Center. Shots were fired, and the group left the scene. Thompson was wounded and drove his vehicle onto the East Campus parking lot, where he collapsed. He was taken to a hospital and later died. There were no other injuries.

I'd like to thank the Tucson Police Department and Pima Community College Police officers for their quick response and working collaboratively to send out timely alerts. PCC Police Officers also acted quickly to go through classrooms and open areas on the East Campus to make sure everyone was safe.

Also, thank you to the East Campus Team, who worked quickly to escort those on the campus to safe areas.

We urge all students and employees to sign up for text alerts. Students, please follow PCC Alert Signup Instructions for Students. Employees, please follow PCC Alert Signup Instructions for Employees. If the alert directs you to shelter in place, find a safe location indoors, lock the doors and stay away from doors and windows until an "all clear" is issued. More information about PCC's campus response to emergencies can be found here.

Additionally, support information for students can be found on the PCC website under Counseling Services. Support for employees is available through the College's Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provider, the Jorgensen Brooks Group. They can be reached at 520.575.8623 or 888.520.5400. More information is available on their website at www.jorgensenbrooks.com

Dolores Durán-Cerda
Interim Chancellor