BATON ROUGE, La. (UrbanCast: 10/27/2026) — Baton Rouge Police have arrested two men following Monday evening’s shooting at Southern University. Investigators determined that the firearm discharged accidentally, leaving one student injured.
The shooting occurred around 5:30 p.m. on October 26 near Building 100 at 801 Harding Boulevard.
According to the Baton Rouge Police Department, several individuals had gathered around a vehicle on campus when the incident occurred.
Investigators reviewed surveillance footage and witness statements to determine what happened.
Police identified Jiqueze Dillon as the person who initially possessed the firearm. Investigators say Dillon handed the weapon to Robert Washington, a Southern University student.
While handling the firearm, Washington accidentally discharged it, striking another Southern University student in the chest.
Emergency personnel transported the injured student to Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center. Police confirmed Tuesday morning that the victim was in stable condition and expected to survive.
One Man Surrendered; Both Face Charges
According to investigators, Washington later surrendered to law enforcement officers.
Police charged Washington with negligent injuring under Louisiana Revised Statute 14:39 and carrying a firearm on campus under Louisiana Revised Statute 14:95.2.
Dillon, who is not a Southern University student, admitted possessing the firearm on campus during the incident, according to police.
Investigators charged Dillon with carrying a firearm on campus under Louisiana Revised Statute 14:95.2.
Both men were arrested and booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison.
Neither man faces a resisting-arrest charge among the charges announced by police. The department also made no allegations of resistance in its Tuesday morning statement.
While police confirmed that Washington surrendered, authorities did not specify how Dillon was taken into custody.
Investigators also reported that neither individual had a prior criminal history.
Shooting Prompted Campus Lockdown
Monday evening’s shooting prompted Southern University officials to issue emergency alerts and restrict movement within the campus residential area.
The university issued its first alert at 6:22 p.m., advising students of a reported shooting and warning that the suspected shooter remained at large.
Officials instructed students to remain inside their rooms while law enforcement responded.
At 7:13 p.m., Southern University issued another update, stating that the shooting appeared isolated and posed no immediate threat to campus.
However, officials maintained a partial lockdown in the residential area as investigators continued their work.
Tuesday morning’s announcement provided additional information about the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including investigators’ determination that the firearm discharged accidentally.
Investigation Remains Ongoing
The Baton Rouge Police Department has taken the lead in the investigation, working alongside the Southern University Police Department.
Although investigators have identified the discharge as accidental and arrested both individuals, authorities say the investigation remains active.
Police have not publicly identified the injured student.
Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Baton Rouge Police Department or Crime Stoppers at (225) 344-STOP.
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