WINTER PARK, Fla. — A Rollins College student was arrested last week after ordering 1,500 rounds of ammunition to the Florida campus.
According to an arrest affidavit, the school’s assistant campus safety director told Winter Park Police that 21-year-old Constantine Demetriades purchased ammunition online that was to be delivered to his dorm, Click Orlando reports. A subsequent administrative search of Demetriades’ dorm room uncovered an AR-15 rifle inside an “unsecured black carrying case,” six magazines, a box of 50 9mm rounds, a tactical vest, multiple knives, a black security vest, ear protection, and a pistol storage case.
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Demetriades told investigators he had just returned from Thanksgiving break in New Jersey where the firearm was purchased and registered legally. He said he usually stores the gun at a friend’s home but that he went straight to school “because it was late and he was tired.” He reportedly told police he was aware weapons are not allowed on campus and that his New Jersey concealed carry permit did not apply in Florida. Demetriades also told police he shoots as a hobby and used to work as an armed security guard in Orlando clubs.
Demetriades was charged with possession of a firearm on school property. He appeared in court Thursday where a judge granted pretrial release. He is also facing a student conduct process at Rollins College and is barred from campus until the matter is resolved, according to Local 12.
A school spokesperson said Demetriades fully cooperated with campus officials and law enforcement.
Are Guns Allowed on Florida School Campuses?
Openly carrying a firearm has been legal in Florida since September, when a three-judge panel in the First District Court of Appeal declared the state’s law banning open carry was unconstitutional and violated the Second Amendment. The law, however, prohibits the possession or discharge of weapons or firearms in certain locations, including any college or university facility. Exceptions apply for law enforcement and corrections officers.
The law also prohibits firearms at any elementary or secondary school facility or administration building, any school, college, or professional athletic event not related to firearms, and any area technical center or career center unless it includes a firearms training range. However, in 2019, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill allowing qualified teachers to carry weapons as school guardians if their local school district approves. Dozens of other states also let teachers carry guns.
RELATED: Duval County Residents Share Concerns About Florida Guardian Program
Here’s a list of states that allow campus carry at colleges and universities:
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Kansas
- Mississippi
- Oregon
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Wisconsin
