A professor at the University of Arizona was fatally shot on campus in Tucson Wednesday, and a suspect was later apprehended by state police, authorities said.
The victim, whose name was not immediately released, was a professor in the department of hydrology, according to university police chief Paula Balafas.
It was a tragic event. Balafas said at a news conference that we feel so bad for the professor's family, friends and colleagues.
A staffer called the university just before 2 p.m. and said a former student was in the John W. Harshbarger Building and should not be there, Balafas said.
Balafas said the caller asked police to escort the former student out, but the shooting occurred before officers arrived. She said a handgun was used.
She said the shooter ran through the main doors of the building.
The Arizona Department of Public Safety arrested Dervish about 120 miles away during a traffic stop at 5: 10 p.m. Balafas said.
There were no other injuries.
Balafas said she did not know of a motive and it was not clear whether there was a relationship between the suspect and professor.
Representatives of the University of Arizona administration did not respond to a request for comment or for more information.
The university of around 47,000 students issued public safety alerts, canceled classes for the day, and instructed people to leave campus or go to their dorms.
There were counseling services available for students, according to the university.
The incident is under investigation.
It was not clear whether Dervish had been charged or whether he had an attorney Wednesday night. A spokesman for the Pima County district attorney didn't respond immediately to a request for comment.
Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey said that the state was ready to assist the university in any way.
Arizona is praying for the family and friends of the professor and those affected by today's tragedy in Tucson, Ducey wrote.