WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (WGHP) — A Winston-Salem State University Student who was wanted on charges related to a shooting that took place in a residence hall has turned himself in, according to the Winston-Salem Police Department.
At the scene, officers found a man suffering from a gunshot wound in a study room inside the dorm. The victim is not currently a student at WSSU.
Investigators say that a fight is what led to the victim being shot.
After an “extensive investigation”, the WSPD’s Gang Unit, Gun Crime Reduction Unit and Violent Firearms Investigation Team conducted two search warrants on campus over the weekend, leading to the seizure of:
- 9 pounds of marijuana
- A gun
- THC edibles
- Cash
- Various items of drug paraphernalia
As a result of the investigation, warrants were taken out for 19-year-old Ja’lon Stallings, a current WSSU student. He was considered to be a wanted man.
Investigators say that Stallings turned himself into authorities on Monday night. He is being charged with the following:
- Felony assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill
- Felony robbery with a dangerous weapon
- Felony discharge a firearm on educational property
- Felony discharge a firearm from within an enclosure to incite fear
- Misdemeanor carrying a concealed gun
- Misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia
- Misdemeanor possession of marijuana
Stallings is being held without bond.
WSSU released the following statement on Monday afternoon before Stallings turned himself in:
As many of you are aware, a shooting occurred on our campus the evening of Friday, April 11, at approximately 6:34 p.m. The incident took place in Rams Commons 3, one of our residential facilities.
The victim, a male who is not an enrolled student at Winston-Salem State University, sustained gunshot wounds and was transported to a local hospital. We are grateful that his injuries were not life-threatening, and he is now on the road to recovery. Our thoughts and concern are with him and his family as he continues to heal.
At this time, the suspect remains at large. The Winston-Salem City Police Department (WSPD), the lead investigating agency, has identified the suspect as Ja’lon Stallings, a current WSSU student. Law enforcement, including the WSPD and WSSU Police, are actively investigating the matter and working diligently to locate the suspect. We are fully cooperating with law enforcement and will continue to provide any support necessary to assist in their investigation.
In addition to facing criminal charges, swift disciplinary actions will be taken against the suspect in accordance with university policy.
Let me be clear: The illegal possession of a weapon on university property is both a violation of state law – North Carolina General Statute §14-269.2 – and a direct breach of our institutional values and code of conduct. We will respond firmly and decisively in every instance.
While this incident is both troubling and unacceptable, we are grateful for the quick actions of our campus police and local authorities. Our campus was immediately placed on lockdown after the incident and remained so until law enforcement deemed it safe to reopen.
We are actively reviewing safety protocols and increasing security presence to further protect our campus. Counseling and support services are also available for anyone in need during this time.
Winston-Salem State University is stronger than any one incident, and we remain committed to fostering a safe and supportive campus environment.
WSSU Chancellor Bonita J. Brown, J.D.
This is the second shooting on campus this semester. WSSU has strict policies against guns on campus, and anyone who brings a gun on school property is charged with a class I felony.
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