Officials: New location announced for the blood drive that will help the 4 victims who were stabbed at LA Tech

UPDATE (11/14/2023): On November 14, 2023, the LifeShare Blood Center announced that there has been a location change for the blood drive that will help the victims of the Louisiana Tech University stabbing. The new location for the blood drive is the Student Union Building at The Tonk (East side of the cafeteria), located at 211 Wisteria Street in Ruston, La.

There has not been a change on the date as it is set to take place on November 16, 2023. The four victims will receive aid towards their medical bills and the security of increased blood supplies on hospital shelves.

RUSTON, La. (KTVE/KARD) — On Thursday, November 16, 2023, from 9 AM to 3 PM, the LifeShare Blood Center will be working with Louisiana Tech University and hosting a replenishment blood drive for the victims who were stabbed on campus. Officials announced that all blood types are needed for this drive, especially O-Negative.

The blood drive will take place at Ropp Center, located at 305 Wisteria Street in Ruston, La.

On November 13, 2023, shortly after 9 AM, the Louisiana Tech University Police Department responded to a stabbing at the Lambright Sports and Wellness Center on campus. According to Louisiana Tech University, officers received a phone call at approximately 9:08 AM and had the suspect in custody at approximately 9:12 AM.

The attack happened outside of the building as the victims were leaving. The suspect then allegedly fled south toward the main campus and was apprehended by campus police without incident.

Officials believe that the incident was a random act of violence. The suspect was identified as Jacoby Johnson, who is a student at the university. Johnson is being treated at Northern Louisiana Medical Center for injuries received during the initial incident.

According to reports, four individuals were victims in the incident and two of the victims were airlifted to Shreveport, La. for treatment. One victim refused treatment.

As of 11:40 AM, one victim is in critical condition at NLMC, and the two other victims are in serious but stable condition. The victim airlifted is a graduate student and the other three victims are non-students.