A University of Arizona hydrology professor was shot and killed in the Garshbarger building; former student Murad Dervish is in custody

Tucson, Arizona – A professor was shot and killed on the campus of the University of Arizona in Tucson on Wednesday, campus police said.

The campus police chief said a former student shot and killed a professor in the hydrology department. The suspect was identified by police as Murad Dervish. The professor is not set.

Dervish, 46, was taken into custody following a traffic stop by the state Department of Public Safety near Gila Bend, University of Arizona Police Chief Paula Balafas said at a news conference.

Police said the suspect used a handgun.

The victim was taken to a local hospital, but was pronounced dead by paramedics, Balafas said.

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Police Respond to John W. Harshbarger Campus Building for ‘Shooting’, University of Arizona Police said on Twitter shortly after 2pm local time on Wednesday.

The police did not block, but warned people to stay away from the building and the surrounding area.

“The suspect has been identified, but he is no longer at the scene. Police are currently looking for him,” University of Arizona police said, describing the suspect as in his 30s, with short brown hair, wearing a blue baseball cap and beanie. dark backpack.

All other classes held at the school’s main campus were canceled Wednesday, police said.

ABC News’ Marilyn Heck and Teddy Grant contributed to this report.