Eagle alert issued to USM students after knife assault | News

HATTIESBURG, MS (WDAM)- The University of Southern Mississippi issued an Eagle Alert shortly after 7 p.m. Tuesday, stating that the University Police Department was responding to an assault with a knife near the Human Performance and Recreation building on campus.  

Around 5 p.m. Tuesday, University of Southern Mississippi took a call about a disturbance on campus south of the stadium, said officials. Within 45 minutes, the university took another call from Forrest General Hospital stating a former student had been involved in a fight on campus in which he was slashed across the back with a knife.

Police are interviewing witnesses. No arrests have been made.

School officials confirmed that a former student was stabbed, and he transported himself to Forrest General Hospital and was treated and released.  

The Eagle Alert, issued to faculty and students, went on to say that, "Officers are on the scene and advise that there is no further danger to the campus community at this time."

However, UPD Chief, Bob Hopkins, says his department does not have anyone in custody at this time. UPD officers were still interviewing witnesses late Tuesday evening. 

Copyright 2012 WDAM. All rights reserved.