Watch CBS News

Colton Tooley, UT Gunman, Described as Smart, Unemotional

Colton Tooley, UT Gunman, Described as Smart, Unemotional
Colton Tooley (Personal Photo)

AUSTIN, Texas (CBS/AP) As students made their way to classes the University of Texas at Austin Tuesday morning, police say a 19-year-old math major named Colton Tooley strode through campus wearing a dark suit and a ski mask - carrying an assault rifle.

His look was menacing, and those who encountered him fled fast.

"I saw in his eyes he didn't care," said construction worker Ruben Cordoba, who was installing a fence on the roof of a three-story building Tuesday morning when he looked down and made eye contact.

But those who knew the sophomore for years - before his time at the massive university - describe him as a courteous, intelligent guy who wouldn't hurt anyone. He was book smart and won raves from his high school teachers. He also was known as someone who kept his emotions in check.

"There was nothing prior to this day, nothing that would lead any of us to believe this could take place," said a man who emerged from Tooley's family home late Tuesday and identified himself only as Marcus, a relative. He read a statement saying that Tooley's parents were distraught. "They've lost their child."

As the gunman trekked along a campus street with an AK-47, he fired three shots toward a church, then fired three more times in the air, Cordoba said. Police said that with help from students they were able to track the shooter's movements and chase him off the street. He went into the Perry-Castaneda Library, where he fatally shot himself, said campus police Chief Robert Dahlstrom said.

Dahlstrom said it wasn't clear that the gunman was shooting at anyone in particular outside the library.

University of Texas president Bill Powers canceled classes Tuesday and said normal campus operations would resume Wednesday.

Police declined to speculate on a motive.

ALSO ON CRIMESIDER

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue