Update 6:55pm
Arkansas State University is providing the following update and statement regarding the shooting incident that occurred during the early morning of Sunday, April 26, at a gathering at Unity Park on campus.
According to initial reports, a 911 call was received shortly after midnight regarding shots fired in the area. Four individuals were injured in the incident, including three Arkansas State students. One student was treated at the scene, while the other three individuals were treated at local hospitals for mostly minor injuries and are currently stable.
Arkansas State Police is leading the investigation and will provide any additional updates as more information becomes available. They are asking that anyone with information about last night to contact them at (870) 935-7303.
We are grateful that no lives were lost in this incident. Our thoughts are with those who were injured and their families.
We understand that incidents like this can be unsettling for our campus community. Students who may need support are encouraged to contact the University Counseling Center during normal operating hours. After hours, students can request to be connected to the on-call counselor by contacting University Police.
Our strength as a university lies in our close-knit campus and the way we care for one another. We encourage everyone to stay connected and support each other in the days ahead.
Update 5:09pm
Cindy Murphy, Communications Director/Public Information Officer with the Arkansas State Police, responded to JRN’s request for additional information, confirming that there were four injuries, two of which were students.
Information on this incident is still being gathered. Anyone with information can call the University Police number below or (870) 935-7303.
Update 3:15am
JRN received this statement from Arkansas State University Chief Marketing & Communications Officer Todd Clark:
Just after midnight Sunday, April 26, authorities received a 911 call reporting shots fired at a gathering at Unity Park on the Arkansas State University campus. Jonesboro Police Department and Arkansas State University Police Department are on scene and actively investigating.
One female victim has been confirmed with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to the lower leg. Additional reports indicate minor injuries, including scrapes and scratches, as the crowd dispersed.
At this time, police believe the incident was isolated, and there is no broader threat to the campus community. The public is asked to avoid the Unity Park area while the investigation continues.
Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact University Police at (870) 972-2093.
Update 2:45am
Police radio traffic at 11:24pm Saturday night reflected that the E-911 Dispatch Center had received “several calls in regard to a party at 2105 Aggie Road that has approximately hundreds of people at it, lot of people partying, drinking and fighting.” A University Police Department officer responded saying “we were just out there, there is no fighting, there is quite a few people, loud noise, but it’s a registered event, can’t shut them down.” The E-911 dispatcher asked the UPD officer if any gun shots were heard saying people had been calling for that, too to which the UPD officer responded, “negative.”
At 12:05am University Police radio traffic between officers reported the shooting at Unity Park. “..head back over to Unity Park, I’ve been watching the cameras and everyone just started running in fifty different directions,” the dispatcher said. Two different officers reported gunshot victims including one transmission that said, “I’ve got another victim here; she’s been grazed in the leg.”
Update 2:15am
A private Arkansas State University Parents account on Facebook received a comment from an Arkansas State University account that said:
JPD and A-State Police are on scene following a reported shooting at a Unity Park gathering shortly after midnight. At this time, authorities believe the incident is isolated to the specific gathering, and there is no active threat to the broader campus community. Campus residents are urged to remain indoors and avoid the Unity Park area while officers continue their investigation.
Update: 2:05am
The Jonesboro Police Department desk sergeant tells JRN there is “no active threat at this time.” The desk sergeant said the University Police Department is coordinating the investigation since the incident happened on campus. JPD is assisting. He said “there were a couple of injuries and one was transported by ambulance to a local hospital.” The desk sergeant could not confirm whether or not someone had been arrested but said “Jonesboro Police Department has made no arrests.”
Original 1:53am
Jonesboro, AR – JonesboroRightNow.com – Arkansas State University sent an “active shooter alert” to students and faculty early Sunday morning.
The alert was sent at 12:38am. “An active shooter has been reported in the area of Unity Park. Avoid the area. If you cannot leave the area, go to the nearest room, lock the door, turn off the lights and barricade if possible. Be prepared to defend yourself if you are confronted with the shooter.”
Unity Park is located North of Aggie Road, East of the Nursing building parking lot.
The alert from ASU also said “Further instructions and information on the astate.edu website”
Video from Facebook – Lesa Dacus
This is a developing story. No additional information has been released by the University or Jonesboro Police. We will update this story as information becomes available.