Tyren Abraham. LPDC/Courtesy photo
On the morning of March 7 at 8:54 a.m. Grambling State University Police received a call regarding an on-campus shooting in Bethune Hall.
The incident involved a non-student, Tyren Abraham, of Baldwin, La., and a Grambling student who was injured when he was struck in the leg when a firearm was discharged in a dorm room. Another Grambling student was reported to be on the scene but not directly involved in the incident.
GSU authorities indicated the shooting suspect and victim involved in the incident knew each other and that the gunfire resulting in the victim’s injuries was unintentional. In the police report Abraham is noted as providing assistance to the victim.
The injured party was transported to LSU Hospital in Shreveport to get treatment for non-life threatening wounds. Abraham was arrested at the scene and taken to Grambling State University Police headquarters for questioning.
GSU’s campus was announced safe by local law enforcement on the afternoon of the shooting and operations and classes proceed on their ordinary schedule.
According to authorities, the gun involved in the shooting, a .45 caliber handgun with five bullets in the magazine, was recovered at the scene.
Abraham is currently in custody at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center. He is charged with carrying a firearm on school property, having a firearm in a firearm free zone, convicted felon in possession of a firearm and possession of marijuana, which was reportedly found during a pat down by police.
According to the police report Abraham had been arrested two weeks prior to the incident for marijuana possession.
GSU President Rick Gallot said Abraham has been arrested for bringing a gun on campus before.
Gallot is currently working with the district attorney to make sure Abraham does not come back on the campus.
In the arrest report Abraham was ordered not to go with 200 yards of GSU’s campus.
Gallot said Abraham and the victim were friends and the shooting was unintentional.
“This is a clear indication that having a weapon can result in a bad outcome whether there’s an intent for this to happen or not,” Gallot explained.
An active investigation continues with Grambling State University Police Department and the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office.