Man with car full of weapons on North Carolina A&T campus was in 'very dangerous mental state'

Arrest records show Brandon Bentley brought several weapons onto the campus, including five guns, a "makeshift firework explosive," brass knuckles, a machete, sword and a "blowdart weapon" among others.

Posted 8:50 p.m. Apr 3, 2023 — Updated 4:54 p.m. Apr 4, 2023

GREENSBORO, N.C. — A man told police on the campus of North Carolina A&T that he had armed himself in defense against a cult he thought was trying to kidnap him.

Court records show Brandon Bentley, 27, of Greensboro, was arrested March 26 in possession of five guns, a "makeshift firework explosive," brass knuckles, a machete, sword, "blowdart weapon," crossbow, hatchet, 12 pocketknives and a baton.

He was charged with two felonies and four misdemeanors for bringing weapons onto the campus, including bringing explosive on educational property.

Paperwork linked to Bentley's arrest describes him as "extremely agitated" when he ran up to officers and told them about the cult he believed was after him. He told officers he feared for his life.

In setting his bond, a court officer wrote that Bentley was in "a very dangerous metal state and is a huge flight risk."

Nonetheless, Bentley posted his $100,000 secured bond on March 27 and was referred for a mental health evaluation. His court date is set for April 27.

Bentley was banned from the campus.

NC A&T never went on lockdown because on-campus officers responded so quickly.

The school released the following statement:

"After campus law enforcement discovered weapons in the vehicle, Bentley was immediately arrested, and the weapons confiscated. Because of the quick and decisive action of law enforcement, a campus alert was not issued, as the suspect no longer constituted an ongoing threat to campus safety."

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