VI: CAMPUS CRIME

 

Late-Night Shooting at UAPB Highlights Ongoing Concerns About Campus Crime

A late-night shooting on the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) campus in 2024 raised concerns about safety during large-scale university events, as law enforcement investigated what led to the violence that left two people injured during the university’s homecoming weekend.

According to reports from THV11 and KATV, the incident occurred around 10:45 p.m. Thursday, October 25th on LA Prexy Davis Drive, near the site of a homecoming bonfire. UAPB police said officers were already stationed nearby for homecoming security and responded to the scene in under 30 seconds.

Two people were struck by gunfire. One victim, a UAPB student, was treated at Jefferson Regional Medical Center and later released. The second victim, a minor not enrolled at the university, was also transported to the hospital and stayed overnight, but no additional details were given about his condition.

University officials confirmed that a person of interest has been identified, but no arrests were initially made. Authorities have not released information about a possible motive, but say it was an isolated event. In response to the shooting, UAPB requested additional patrols from the Arkansas State Police, Pine Bluff Police Department, and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office for the remainder of homecoming festivities. The goal, Criminal Investigations Lieutenant Theodore Haase with UAPB PD said, was to “ [not] dissuade anyone from [and encourage people to] join in the festivities at UAPB this weekend.”

Homecoming weekend typically serves as a celebration of campus pride and community. Instead, UAPB’s 2024 homecoming was briefly overshadowed by a moment of violence that has prompted renewed scrutiny of how universities can best protect students while preserving the open, welcoming atmosphere that defines campus life.