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Lexington Police Arrest and Charge Man With Shooting of University of Kentucky Student (UPDATE)

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The Lexington Police have confirmed the arrest and charging of a man suspected in the shooting and killing of a student at the University of Kentucky (UK).

According to WKYT, Justin D. Smith, 18, is charged with murder for fatally shooting Jonathan Krueger, 22, early Friday morning. Police had previously said they arrested Smith after pursuing him in an attempt to stop him on suspicion of drunk driving.

Smith was in a maroon mini van that matched the description of the vehicle used by two men who witnesses said approached Krueger and one other person in an apparent robbery. The Lexington Police announced the arrest Friday morning and said they are seeking anyone else involved in the shooting, WKYT reported.

Smith was also charged with robbery, tampering with physical evidence and fleeing and evading.

"We've updated the family on our investigation and our thoughts and prayers are with them," the Lexington Herald-Leader quoted Police Chief Mark Barnard saying in a press conference Friday, noting Krueger's father was "very upset and understandably so."

Police received the call in regards to the shooting around 2 a.m., WKYT reported, as someone who was with Krueger was able to reach someone else who made the 911 call.

At about 5:30 that morning, police attempted to pull a maroon mini van over for a DUI, but the car attempted to flee. The police were then led back to a house nearby, where they called a SWAT team for backup. Smith surrendered after an hour without incident, WKYT reported.

A student of the UK College of Communication and Information, Krueger was the photo editor of the school's newspaper. UK President Eli Capilouto issued a statement Friday, encouraging any student in need to visit or contact the school's Counseling Center.

"Although this tragedy occurred off campus, it is a stark reminder that all members of our campus community should at all times be vigilant about their safety, and the safety of others. We are each other's keeper," he said. "It is also in a moment like this that we are reminded of how fragile and precious life is. Let us all keep Jonathan's family, loved ones and friends in our thoughts and prayers."

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