A 30-year-old woman is in custody following an on-campus shooting incident that left both students and faculty shaken.
While patrolling 500 Warhawk Way on March 19 around 2 a.m., ULM PD officers Sgt. Corey Lewis and Cpl. Micah Harper heard what sounded like gunshots coming from 4200 Desiard Street. While the officers investigated, several more gunshots rang out from across the bayou near the Fant Ewing Coliseum.
Then, ULM police dispatch received multiple students reports from students about a suspicious person in the parking lot of the Bayou Village apartments. Officers responded and located Moya A. Ellis, a non-student, in the triangle lot.
After officers took her into custody, Ellis admitted to possessing a weapon. Police found a loaded 9mm pistol and several bullets in her pockets. Upon searching her backpack, officers discovered methamphetamine along with a glass pipe.
Police booked Ellis at the Ouachita Parish Correctional Facility. According to her statement, she was attempting to steal a car to leave town. Officers said she made no statements suggesting any intent to harm others.
Despite police arresting the suspect, some students are still wary. Junior kinesiology major Cassidy Mixon spoke about her fears.
“As a student that lives on campus, this shooting has taken a sense of security and safety from me that I have enjoyed throughout my time here,” Mixon said.
Other students feel that ULM PD’s quick response has given them peace of mind. Junior psychology major Vivian Treadway watched the search take place from his balcony. He commented on the officers’ efficiency.
“There were a few different cop cars that showed up. They responded quicker than I was expecting with how late it was,” Treadway said.
In an interview with The Hawkeye, ULM police director Tom Torregrossa emphasized the importance of the police department’s constant efforts to maintain campus safety.
“ULM has a fully staffed Police Department that patrols the campus 24/7. The officers are on patrol every day, whether the university is open or closed for business,” Torregrossa said.
In addition to constant surveillance, ULM PD gives presentations in University 1001 classes to educate freshmen on campus safety, security protocols and reporting incidents. Torregrossa discussed the roles that training and trust have played in keeping ULM safe.
“We have seen great results from developing these relationships,” Torregrossa said. “I am very proud of how our students responded to this and other issues that occur on our campus. We have the best students who look out for each other and their university.”
As news of this incident spreads around campus, ULM PD urges students to continue diligently reporting suspicious activities around campus.
