UPDATE: Victim stable after shooting at Muskingum University

NEW CONCORD — A baseball player from Olivet College is in stable condition after a shooting on Friday night following the team's baseball game against Muskingum University, Muskingum County Sheriff Matt Lutz confirmed on Saturday.

The incident occurred just after 7 p.m. Lutz said the victim was shot multiple times and that little information was immediately available, but the suspect was apprehended at 7:45 p.m. by law enforcement personnel. After originally trying to confirm the identity of the shooter based on witness descriptions, the person was officially considered a suspect shortly after.

Muskingum President Susan Hasseler in a statement released at 11 a.m. today that the suspect was not a university employee or student, and that "there is no continued threat to the campus at this time." The investigation remains ongoing.

The shooting occurred at the North Turf, just north of Mose Morehead Field. The university enacted a "shelter in place" measure immediately after receiving the initial report at 7:23 p.m. No harm occurred to faculty, staff or students, they said. The shelter in place was lifted at 9:15 p.m.

Muskingum County Sheriff Matt Lutz
Muskingum County Sheriff Matt Lutz

The names of the suspect or victim have not yet been released, Lutz said, in accordance with Muskingum County Prosecutor's Office policy. The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Jennifer Shaver, Muskingum Executive Director of Strategic Marketing and Communication, said in an 11 p.m. press release on Saturday that the university has canceled all athletic events for today and Sunday. It was due to play Olivet, from Michigan, in baseball again on Sunday.

Hasseler said the university offered counseling and support to students from both universities following the incident, which she called a "senseless act of violence on our campus."

"Last night the entire community came together and showed deep care for one another," Hasseler said. "We continue to be grateful for those members of the broader community who shared their thoughts and prayers, and offered their support, and for the many staff members who have been providing direct support to our students and to one another.

"This is a strong and compassionate community," she added, "and we will support each other as we come to terms with this very disturbing situation."

First responders from the New Concord Police Department and Muskingum University Police assisted with the Sheriff's Office in searching for a suspect. The Ohio State Highway Patrol, Guernsey County and Noble County Sheriff's offices also assisted.

This story will be updated.

sblackbu@gannett.com; Twitter: @SamBlackburnTR

This article originally appeared on Zanesville Times Recorder: UPDATE: Victim stable after shooting at Muskingum University