Campus shooting under investigation; campus emergency alert messages issued

April 16, 2010 -- Arkansas State University police continue to investigate a shooting on campus which occurred at 12:52 a.m. Friday morning in Collegiate Park apartments.

Following a Jonesboro 911 telephone call, University Police Department officers on patrol responded to the apartment to find 24-year-old Michael Gilmore, a senior from West Helena, the victim of a gunshot wound.

According to UPD chief Jim Chapman, Gilmore was airlifted to a Memphis hospital where he is listed in critical condition. His family has been notified.

The shooting continues to be under investigation. Chapman said the incident does not appear at this time to be a “random shooting.”

University officials noted that at least two emergency alert messages were issued to notify the campus population of the shooting, warning students to stay indoors. University officers also placed posters in all residence areas and other campus buildings regarding the incident.

“The safety of our students is always a concern,” said Dr. Rick Stripling, vice chancellor of Student Affairs. “The university wants to ensure that all safety procedures are followed and that students are properly notified when any unforeseen event occurs on our campus.”

Anyone with any information is encouraged to contact the University Police Department at (870) 972-2093.

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