Rollins College Student Arrested After Ammo Order Leads to Rifle Discovery
A Florida college student was arrested Wednesday after a large ammunition order prompted a search of his dorm room, where authorities discovered a semi-automatic rifle and related tactical gear. The incident has raised concerns about campus safety and sparked an investigation into how the student obtained the weapon.
A Rollins College security alert flagged a massive online ammunition purchase made by Constantine Demetriades, 21, a senior at the Winter Park liberal arts college, according to charging documents obtained by WKMG. This led to a police investigation and subsequent search of Demetriades’ dorm room.
AR-15 and Tactical Gear Found in Dorm Room
Upon arriving at the dorm, police discovered an AR-15 rifle stashed under Demetriades’ bed. Authorities also seized six magazines – one loaded and five empty – a tactical vest, multiple knives, a black security vest, ear protection, and a pistol storage case, according to Winter Park authorities.
Demetriades has been charged with possession of a weapon on school property.
Despite Florida’s allowance of open carry, Rollins College explicitly prohibits weapons on campus, as stated on the school’s website.
Student Admits to Policy Knowledge, Claims Legal Purchase
According to court documents, Demetriades allegedly admitted to being aware of the college’s weapons policy. He claimed he purchased and registered the rifle in New Jersey over Thanksgiving break and brought it to campus afterward.
The student, who reportedly told authorities he “likes to shoot as a hobby,” stated he had no malicious intent and typically stores the firearm at a friend’s residence off campus. He also asserted he was unaware that his New Jersey concealed carry permit was not valid in Florida, as reported by the outlet. Demetriades allegedly indicated this was only the second time he had brought the gun to campus.
College Response and Ongoing Investigation
Rollins College has barred Demetriades from campus pending the outcome of both the criminal case and the college’s internal investigation.
“On Wednesday, the College received a report indicating a violation of our weapons policy,” a college spokesperson stated. “After receiving this information, we immediately initiated an investigation. We quickly identified and contacted the student, who cooperated fully with College officials and local law enforcement as we investigated the matter further. The student was arrested and is not permitted to be on campus while the College proceeds with the student conduct process.”
The incident underscores the challenges colleges and universities face in balancing student rights with the need to maintain a safe learning environment. The investigation remains ongoing.
