Man Arrested for Shooting at LSU Apartment Building

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A 21-year-old man named Col'lee Bess has been arrested in connection with a shooting incident at an apartment building near the Louisiana State University campus in Baton Rouge. Bess was charged with illegal use of weapons, possession of Schedule I drugs, and aggravated criminal property damage after police found bullet holes and a broken window at the West Campus Apartments.

Why it matters

The shooting incident has raised concerns about campus safety and security, especially given that the suspect was on probation at the time for prior convictions related to robbery, firearms, and evading police. This case highlights the challenges universities face in maintaining a secure environment for students, faculty, and staff.

The details

According to the LSU Police report, officers responded to the West Campus Apartments on Saturday, March 28, and found several bullet holes in the building as well as a broken window. A witness told police that a man was seen running from the area toward the 5 Dining Hall around the time of the shooting. Bess was arrested the next morning and charged with the various offenses. At the time of the incident, Bess was on probation following a 2024 conviction on robbery, gun, and aggravated flight from an officer charges, for which he had been sentenced to three years in prison with 18 months suspended.

• The shooting incident occurred on Saturday, March 28, 2026.
• Bess was arrested the following morning, on Sunday, March 29, 2026.

What’s next

Bess is currently in custody and is expected to face a judge to determine if he will be granted bail or remain in jail pending trial.