1 UK student shot, several others injured by shrapnel in shooting at an off-campus party
Eleven University of Kentucky students were taken to the hospital after a shooting took place at a party near campus Wednesday evening, according to UK officials.
The party took place at 205 University Avenue. UK officials say shortly before midnight two uninvited individuals came to the party and an altercation ensued.
UK Police Chief Joe Monroe said one shot was fired in the basement inside the home. According to UK officials, one female student was shot in the leg and 10 other students suffered injuries from shrapnel and debris.
None of the injuries are believed to be life-threatening, according to UK officials. All injured students were sent to UK Chandler Hospital.
The party was thrown by the Theta Chi fraternity, a UK spokesperson said during a Thursday afternoon press conference. Monroe said he doesn’t believe anyone at the party was targeted.
Just after 2:07 a.m., UK announced police had made two arrests in connection to the shooting. The suspects are not UK students, according to university officials.
Later Thursday morning, Lexington police said Jason Almanza-Arroyo, 19, was arrested and charged with 11 counts of second degree assault, first degree wanton endangerment, disorderly conduct, third degree assault and alcohol intoxication in a public place. Almanza-Arroyo is being held at the Fayette County Detention Center.
Court documents say Almanza-Arroyo was spotted by police after the shooting under the influence of alcohol and carrying a loaded firearm. Almanza-Arroyo was disorderly during his apprehension and spit in an officer’s mouth, according to an arrest citation.
A victim told police Almanza-Arroyo pointed a handgun at him when he asked Almanza-Arroyo to leave the party, according to court documents. The victim identified Almanza-Arroyo as a suspect.
Police said two other suspects have been detained, but those arrests were unrelated to the shooting. Monroe said two firearms were recovered from the arrested suspects.
UK said more information would be released as it becomes available.
A tweet below from WKYT Chief Meteorologist Chris Bailey appears to show one of the suspects being detained by police.
Lexington police didn’t immediately answer questions about the incident but said more information would be released later.
Information from the Fayette County Property Valuation Administrator’s office indicates the incident occurred at an off-campus residence.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
This story was originally published September 8, 2022 at 6:33 AM.
