A man said to be previously located in a residential hall at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff is wanted in connection with a capital murder in Pulaski County, but the school says there is no immediate threat to the university community.
In an open letter Thursday, UAPB Chancellor Laurence B. Alexander shared a report from campus Acting Police Chief Maj. Tony Jordan. The report indicated that at approximately 7:49 p.m. Wednesday, UAPB police received a call about a wanted suspect believed to be located at Copeland Hall, one of the four freshman residential areas of the co-ed Harrold Complex on campus.
The suspect, a Black male identified as Darien Bennett, 19 (born Sept. 21, 2004) and a native of Little Rock, is wanted for questioning in connection with a capital murder case, according to the report. “The information was verified through our Communications Center and proven to be accurate,” Alexander added.
According to an Arkansas Judiciary case search, an arrest warrant from 31st District Court Judge Milas Hale in Sherwood was issued Monday for a Darien Lamar Bennett in connection with a suspected capital murder that occurred Jan. 1, but an affidavit is not listed. Bennett’s age at the time of the reported offense is listed as 19.
A Sherwood police detective said arrest reports were available through the department’s records division, which was closed Thursday evening.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
“Law enforcement agencies immediately assembled and responded to the suspect’s last reported location,” Alexander wrote. “A thorough search of the premises was conducted; however, Bennett was not located. While we were searching, we received additional information from other reliable sources that Bennett had been seen as early as 8 a.m. Wednesday morning. Officers then broadened the search area and continued searching with negative results.”
Alexander added it’s been reported the suspect fled the UAPB premises and his whereabouts are unknown. UAPB police will continuously patrol the campus, he added, asking anyone who has additional information or sees the suspect to call UAPB Public Safety at (870) 575-8102 or dial 911.
“Do not approach or attempt to apprehend this individual,” Alexander said. “He is considered to be armed and dangerous.
“The university is committed to maintaining a safe environment for all members of our community. We would like to take this opportunity to remind our community that if you ‘see something, say something.’ The UAPB Campus Police will continue to monitor the situation, along with local law enforcement.”