FAYETTEVILLE -- Four people were arrested Thursday on undeveloped land owned by the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville as the university moves forward with plans to clear the property of homeless people.
An estimated 80 to 100 people live in homeless encampments on the property, according to 7 Hills Homeless Center Chief Executive Officer Jessica Andrews. The campers were told on Aug. 9 to vacate the property by Thursday.
The 55 acres in south Fayetteville, a little more than a mile from the UA campus, is for sale, according to UA spokesman Mark Rushing.
UA police have cited rising crime at the site, including the beating death of a man, and a lack of resources as reasons to break up the camps.
Capt. Gary Crain said the four people arrested Thursday face various charges. Jail records show one woman arrested on suspicion of public intoxication and possession of a controlled substance. Three men were charged with criminal trespass, and two of the three also face additional charges.
Rushing said the university gave notice of the evictions to give local community organizations time to work with people living in the camps. The university began posting "No Trespassing" signs there Thursday, Rushing said.
"We consider this a successful relocation of the inhabitants, working with all those community partners," he said.
Metro on 09/09/2018