Arkansas State University in Jonesboro was placed on lockdown after three armed men were reportedly seen on campus, but the lockdown was later lifted when it was determined to be a "false alarm."
According to the university's Twitter and Facebook pages, police officers were clearing all campus buildings in the area after reports were made of armed men walking around the student union area of the school.
ABC sister station, KAIT-TV Region 8 News, said according to police dispatch someone saw a group of men, dressed in all black clothing, carrying pistols.
The university, via social media, later said students were filming a project on campus with costumed actors, which some though were possible campus intruders armed with weapons. The students were interviewed by police.
Chancellor Hudson expresses the university’s appreciation to all law enforcement personnel who responded so quickly to the perceived threat.
— Arkansas State (@ArkansasState) February 14, 2016
No injuries were reported, and normal campus operations have resumed. UPD will continue to monitor the campus this evening as a precaution.
— Arkansas State (@ArkansasState) February 14, 2016
These students have been located and interviewed by UPD. As a result, it has been confirmed that there was no gunman on campus.
— Arkansas State (@ArkansasState) February 14, 2016
Apparently students were filming a video project near the Union, and costumed actors were reported as possible campus intruders.
— Arkansas State (@ArkansasState) February 14, 2016
Numerous first responders worked swiftly and cooperatively this afternoon in response to what eventually turned out to be a false alarm.
— Arkansas State (@ArkansasState) February 14, 2016
We will be releasing a statement on facebook and our homepage in the next few minutes regarding the reported incident this afternoon.
— Arkansas State (@ArkansasState) February 14, 2016
@ellietidwell The reported suspects were never located. Police are still investigating, but campus has been cleared.
— Arkansas State (@ArkansasState) February 14, 2016
Again, the campus lockdown has been lifted. Police are continuing to investigate the report and are reviewing security footage of the area.
— Arkansas State (@ArkansasState) February 14, 2016
The campus lockdown has been lifted. A-State will resume normal operations.
— Arkansas State (@ArkansasState) February 14, 2016
UPD, as well as other officers, are clearing campus buildings in the affected area. Please remain indoors until an all clear is given.
— Arkansas State (@ArkansasState) February 14, 2016
Report: The possible three males all wearing black were last seen walking north near Dean St.
— Arkansas State (@ArkansasState) February 14, 2016
Two males with weapons reported near the Student Union. Lockdown immediately until further notice.
— Arkansas State (@ArkansasState) February 14, 2016
