The university sent an alert about an active shooter at about 1:30 p.m. and placed the campus on lockdown.
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“The Arkansas State Police is standing by if assistance is needed”, said Bill Sadler, a state police spokesman. “Officers in process of securing vehicle now”, the Jonesboro Police Department said on its Twitter feed.
But police later said that he had been holding a shotgun under his chin and threatening himself, according to the Associated Press, citing university police.
Officers said Bartelt was already seeking medical attention, according to the report.
Police identified the man as Brad Kenneth Bartelt, 47, of Jonesboro.
“Everyone should evacuate to the west side of the building and clear the area”.
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The Jonesboro Sun reported police as saying the suspect was armed with a shotgun and had two propane tanks in the back of the pickup truck. A green pickup truck parked on grass is believed to be related to the school lockdown. Its enrollment is more than 13,000, but not all students were on campus Thursday because it was the second day of final exams. Officers from the university’s Police Department, Jonesboro Police Department, Craighead County sheriff’s office, Arkansas State Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and several nearby departments responded to the situation. “I’m proud of everyone and grateful that no one was injured”, he said. Shortly afterward, they posted an update on social media. “I’m also very thankful for the outside agencies’ quick response and to further contain the situation to prevent any injuries or loss of life”, Martin said.
