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Arkansas State University: Armed Man Only Threatened to Harm Himself

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Jonesboro Police identified Brad Kenneth Bartelt, 47, as the armed man who drove a truck onto Arkansas State University (ASU) campus Thursday.

Bartelt drove a pickup truck into the center of the campus toward the student union's eastern side, and was later determined to have been brandishing a 12-gauge shotgun, The Associated Press reported. He also had gas canisters and propane tanks in the truck.

A former student at ASU's Newport campus, Bartelt was taken into custody about an hour after he caused a lockdown. ASU cancelled exams scheduled to take place that day and left the east plaza of the student on lockdown while the police investigated.

Now that the dust has settled, it appears as though Bartelt was not planning to harm anyone but himself.

"When we arrived, he was threatening himself," Jonesboro Police Chief Rick Elliott told reporters at a news conference Thursday, according to CNN. "He was holding a shotgun under his chin."

Bartelt fired no shots and no one was injured, as the situation never escalated. Elliott said Bartelt never even pointed his gun toward a police officer, but occasionally splashed gasoline on his truck. Police do not know his motivation for the incident, nor have they revealed what charges will be filed against him.

On Wednesday, police received a call alerting them to a Facebook post from Bartelt complaining about a social security issue, The AP noted. Either in the same post, or a related one, Bartelt said he was "suicidal and now homicidal," prompting police to show up to his home.

"First I want to say there is no continuing danger from today's incident. The Arkansas State community remains strong and we're safe, thanks in large part to the quick action and cooperation of our law enforcement officers and safety personnel from the campus, the city, the region and the state," ASU Chancellor Tim Hudson said in a statement. "We are grateful for their courage and for their professionalism. They handled this situation superbly and achieved the absolute best possible outcome. I want to thank our students, faculty and staff for following all lockdown and safety protocols."

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