Nashville, TN, October 3, 2025
News Summary
A man has been arrested for allegedly threatening students with a knife on Vanderbilt University’s campus. The incident sparked safety concerns among the community. Police responded but did not locate the suspect immediately. Kiracuras D. Johnson, 40, was later apprehended near the hospital. Despite no weapon being found, multiple victims claimed they were threatened. Johnson, who had a prior criminal trespassing warning, faces charges of criminal trespassing and aggravated assault. His court appearance is scheduled for October 1.
Nashville, TN – A man is facing charges for allegedly chasing students with a knife on Vanderbilt University’s campus. The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday and has raised concerns about safety among the university community.
Police received a report regarding the man intimidating students with a knife. Officers from the university’s police department were dispatched to the Wyatt Center on South Drive. However, the suspect was not found at the location. He was later located outside of the Vanderbilt University Hospital Emergency Department.
The suspect, identified as 40-year-old Kiracuras D. Johnson, had previously received a criminal trespassing warning from the Vanderbilt University Police Department. He was arrested for violating this order. During the arrest, no knife was found on Johnson, but several victims reported that he had threatened them with a knife. Surveillance cameras corroborated that Johnson was on Vanderbilt University property during the incident.
Johnson has since been charged with criminal trespassing and aggravated assault. He is scheduled to appear in court on October 1, facing serious legal consequences related to his actions on campus.
Details of the Incident
The chase reportedly frightened several students, prompting immediate calls to law enforcement. In response to the emergency calls, university police took action to ensure the safety of those on campus. Although Johnson was not at the Wyatt Center upon their arrival, his eventual location near the hospital raised the level of tension in the area, as it directly involved the campus community.
Background on the Suspect
Prior to this incident, Kiracuras D. Johnson had a documented history of criminal behavior, including a prior criminal trespassing warning from the Vanderbilt University Police Department (VUPD). This previous warning signifies that Johnson had been engaged in inappropriate behavior on the university campus before, further emphasizing the seriousness of his recent actions.
Campus Safety Concerns
The incident has highlighted ongoing concerns regarding safety on university campuses across the nation. With many students feeling vulnerable, Vanderbilt University will likely review its safety protocols and emergency responses to prevent future incidents of this nature.
As the university community awaits further legal developments, students and staff are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior to campus authorities. The university is committed to ensuring a safe environment for all its members.
Conclusion
The arrest of Kiracuras D. Johnson serves as a grim reminder of the importance of campus security and community safety. As investigations continue and further court appearances are scheduled, the university community strives to maintain a secure atmosphere conducive to learning and growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened at Vanderbilt University?
A man is facing charges for allegedly chasing students with a knife on Vanderbilt University’s campus.
When did the incident occur?
The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday.
Who is the suspect?
The suspect is 40-year-old Kiracuras D. Johnson.
What charges does the suspect face?
Johnson has been charged with criminal trespassing and aggravated assault.
When is the court appearance scheduled?
Johnson is scheduled to appear in court on October 1.
Was a weapon found during the arrest?
No knife was found on Johnson when he was arrested.
What did the victims report?
Victims reported that Johnson had threatened them with a knife.
Was there any surveillance evidence?
Yes, surveillance cameras confirmed Johnson was on Vanderbilt University property during the incident.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Suspect Name | Kiracuras D. Johnson |
| Charges | Criminal Trespassing, Aggravated Assault |
| Incident Date | Early hours of Sunday |
| Court Appearance | October 1 |
| Knife Found | No |
| VUPD Warning | Prior Criminal Trespassing Warning |
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Additional Resources
- WSMV News: Man Accused of Chasing Students at Vanderbilt University
- Wikipedia: Campus Security
- WSMV News: Vanderbilt University Reviews Safety Protocols
- Google Search: College Campus Safety
- WSMV News: Updates on Kiracuras D. Johnson Incident at Vanderbilt
- Google Scholar: Assault on College Campus
- WSMV News: Vanderbilt Community Reacts to Safety Issues
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Assault (Crime)
Author: HERE Nashville
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