A quiet Florida college campus was shaken this week by the discovery of a hidden arsenal. Authorities allege a 21-year-old student, Constantine Demetriades, possessed a semi-automatic rifle and a substantial amount of ammunition within his dorm room, sparking a swift investigation and arrest.
The initial alarm was raised by the school’s assistant campus safety director, who flagged a concerning order: 1,500 rounds of ammunition shipped to Demetriades’ residence. This prompted a search of his dorm room, revealing a far more unsettling picture than initially suspected.
Underneath his bed, investigators found an unloaded AR-15 rifle, carelessly stored in an unsecured black carrying case. Alongside the weapon were a loaded magazine, five empty magazines, a tactical vest, and an assortment of knives and protective gear – a collection that immediately raised red flags.
Demetriades, a senior at Rollins College, claimed the rifle was legally purchased and registered during a recent Thanksgiving trip to New Jersey. He stated he typically stores the firearm at a friend’s residence, bringing it to campus only after his trip and on one prior occasion.
Despite his explanation, Demetriades acknowledged he was aware of the college’s strict weapons ban. He also admitted his New Jersey concealed carry permit held no legal weight within the state of Florida, highlighting a clear disregard for campus policy and state law.
Rollins College acted swiftly, immediately banning Demetriades from campus grounds pending the outcome of both the criminal investigation and an internal student conduct review. The college emphasized full cooperation with local law enforcement throughout the process.
The college released a statement detailing their response, confirming they initiated an investigation upon receiving the initial report. They underscored the student’s cooperation with both college officials and the Winter Park Police Department.
The incident has understandably caused concern within the Rollins College community, prompting a thorough review of security protocols and a renewed focus on enforcing the campus weapons policy. The investigation continues as authorities piece together the full scope of the situation.
