UAPD Arrests Student Following Threatening Twitter Message

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – University of Arkansas Police arrested Carlos Guzman Martinez, 23 years old, a fourth-year architecture student, after he sent a Twitter message that was interpreted as threatening to other students.

Guzman was arrested at his apartment and charged with felony terroristic threatening and misdemeanor possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. He is being held in the Washington County Jail pending a bond hearing.

The Twitter message was cryptic: “UPDATE: Someone screams over the mezzanine and shoots all the forth [sic] year.”

The message was reported to police at about noon Friday, April 12, and officers were sent to the Old Field House, where architecture studio classes are held, to talk to the student. He was not found at the building.

Architecture department officials decided to send students, faculty and staff home as a precaution.

“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.”