Authorities have man accused of school threats in custody

Two schools evacuated in Garland County

By ArkasnasOnline

HOT SPRINGS — A man authorities say made threats against two schools in Hot Springs was taken into custody after a manhunt that lasted most of Wednesday and ended at a hotel.

National Park Community College and Mountain Pine schools were evacuated after reports that a gunman was headed to campus.

By mid-afternoon, authorities had expanded the search for William S. Goodman, 37, into downtown Hot Springs. Goodman is 5'7" and weighs about 130 pounds. He was last seen wearing white shorts and a green Dale Earnhardt T-shirt.

The Arkansas State Police provided this photo of William S. Goodman.

State Police spokesman Bill Sadler says troopers are set up along Arkansas 227 just northwest of Hot Springs, looking for the Goodman. Sadler says he reportedly made a threat against someone at the community college and someone at the high school.

In a statement on its Web site, the college says it was notified of a potential threat at about 11:30 a.m. Wednesday by the Garland County sheriff's office. The school says the entire campus was evacuated by noon, and a search is under way for the man.

Evening classes were canceled for Wednesday.

The man has a commitment order against him according the the sheriff's office. The evacuations are a precaution.

Come back to Arkansas Online for more information as this story develops.

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The Associated Press contributed to this report