UA police arrests student following ‘threatening’ tweet

The Old Field House building

Staff photo

University of Arkansas police arrested a fourth-year architecture student Friday for allegedly sending a threatening tweet.

Carlos Guzman Martinez, 23, was arrested at his apartment and charged with felony terroristic threatening and misdemeanor possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia, according to a UA news release. He is being held in the Washington County Jail pending a bond hearing.

According to police, the cryptic tweet stated, “UPDATE: Someone screams over the mezzanine and shoots all the forth [sic] year.”

The message was reported to police at about noon, and officers were sent to the Old Field House building, where architecture studio classes are held, to talk to the student. When Guzman was not found at the building, police continued their search at his apartment.

“The Twitter message was interpreted as a threat,” said UAPD Lt. Gary Crain. “For the peace of mind of their students, faculty and staff, the Architecture Department decided to send students home from two of the studios. Their concern is understandable.”