FAYETTEVILLE — Washington County prosecutors charged a University of Arkansas student in connection with illegally having a gun on campus after he accidentally shot himself in the hand at the KUAF radio station.
Matthew Williamson, 37, faces a felony charge of illegally possessing a gun on a college campus. KUAF is a National Public Radio affiliate. The university owns the radio station property.
Matt Durrett, chief deputy prosecutor, said charges were filed Tuesday afternoon.
“The statute’s pretty clear on it,” Durrett said.
The incident was investigated by the university police department. Durrett said he reviewed the department’s report and determined charges are warranted.
Williamson faces up to six years in prison and fines of up to $10,000. Prosecutors recommended a $2,500 bond.
Williamson, a work-study receptionist at KUAF, removed a gun from his book bag to show a friend when it accidentally discharged and injured his hand about 12:30 p.m. Feb. 8, according to police. A Taurus Judge revolver with one spent .410 round and several live .410 and .45 rounds were found in the book bag by police.
Williamson said he forgot the gun was in the book bag, according to a police report. He also told police he was planning to go to a gun range after work.
He was treated and released at Washington Regional Medical Center.
The Arkansas Senate on Monday passed a bill to let faculty and staff members with concealed carry permits take handguns on campus.
House Bill 1243 by Rep. Charlie Collins, R-Fayetteville, passed the Senate 31-4. It would let colleges and universities decide to allow staff to carry a concealed handgun on campus. The measure passed the House 70-11 earlier this month. It now goes to the governor.
The bill originally required public colleges and universities to allow faculty and staff members who have concealed carry permits to carry handguns on campus. Collins amended it to allow the governing board of institutions to decide whether to allow guns on campus.
With that change, Gov. Mike Beebe has said he likely would sign the bill.