ONESBORO, AR – Scott Ellington, Prosecuting Attorney for the Second Judicial District of Arkansas, announced today that his office is filing charges in the Arkansas State University Active Shooter case that gained national attention and shut down the campus during finals week.
Ellington said, “I have authorized my deputies to file felony charges against Brad Bartelt, 47, of Jonesboro for his actions. Bartelt is being charged with the following felony charges: Making A Terrorist Threat, Criminal Possession of Explosive Material or Destructive Device, and Terroristic Threatening.”
Bartelt was arrested on December 10, 2015, after a standoff with law enforcement officers from several agencies who responded to the Active Shooter alert sent out by Arkansas State University.
On December 10, Bartelt had a shotgun and containers of gasoline and propane with him when he drove his truck onto a grassy area east of the student union. The suspect called 911 and requested police. He reportedly stated he did not want to hurt anyone.
During the standoff, he repeatedly placed the shotgun to his chin, saying he wanted to harm himself. He eventually put the weapon down and surrendered to police. No one was injured.
Ellington further stated, “I appreciate the immediate response by the Arkansas State University Campus Police, the Jonesboro Police Department, and the other state and local agencies who responded to this very serious incident. Their prompt action in this matter saved those on the campus possible death or serious injury.”
Making A Terrorist Threat is a Class A Felony sentence range is 6-30 years; Criminal Possession of Explosive Material or Destructive Device is a Class B Felony, sentence range is 5-20 years; and Terroristic Threatening is a Class D Felony, sentence range is 0-6 years.
