Arkansas State University: Armed suspect is in custody

An armed man who had posted on Facebook that he was homicidal drove onto the campus Thursday, sparking a lockdown before police took him into custody, university and police officials said. No shots have been fired and there have been no reported injuries, according to the tweet.

Police surrounded the armed individual, the university said.

A spokesman said that the man drove onto campus and crashed his auto into a barrier.

Once the incident started, Arkansas State University officials moved students to the west side of the Carl R. Reng Student Union and secured them. The university postponed all other final exams scheduled for Thursday and closed the campus for the rest of the day.

A student witness said Bartelt never entered the building.

We have a great working relationship with the Jonesboro Police Department, and we have asked them to assist us by leading the investigation of this incident. 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.

Holmes said a negotiator was sent to the scene to speak with the man. It wasn’t clear what, if any, discussions took place.

“He pointed at me and him and said it’s a personal problem we don’t want innocent lives involved in this”, said McPherson.

Bartelt reportedly threatened to harm himself and did not threaten to harm students or police officers. At one point Bartelt, who was brandishing a shotgun, was splashing gasoline from the container over his truck, Police Chief Randy Martin told a news conference.

Report of an active shooter spotted at the student union. He also said that no shots were fired.

Bartelt is being held on a preliminary charge of aggravated assault for the Thursday incident, but Holmes says he could face more charges.

ASU is located about 130 miles northeast of Little Rock.