Professor at University of Arizona shot to death on campus

A former student is accused of fatally shooting a professor inside a building at the University of Arizona in Tucson.

The Arizona Daily Star reports that the shooting took place shortly after 2 p.m. Wednesday inside the John W. Harshbarger Building. The victim has been identified as Thomas Meixner, professor and head of the Department of Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences.

"This incident is a deep shock to our community, and it is a tragedy," University President Robert C. Robbins said. "I have no words that can undo it, but I grieve with you for the loss, and I am pained especially for Tom’s family members, colleagues and students."

University Police Chief Paula Balafas identified the suspect as Murad Dervish, 46. He was arrested a few hours after the shooting.

Balafas said that just after 2 p.m. police received a call from someone inside the building that a former student was there and that the ex-student was not allowed inside the building. Before officers arrived, another caller reported a shooting inside the building.

A faculty member who was in the building at the time said he heard seven to 10 gunshots. Police later said a handgun was used in the shooting.