False alarm (ROTC student with dummy rifle)

[flsportsfan83]

June 24, 2008

Attention Tampa Campus: Just after 2:00p.m., it was reported to University Police that a man was seen carrying what looked like a rifle, walking outside the area on the east side of Cooper Hall.

University Police and AlliedBarton security are checking the outside area and inside nearby buildings. Please avoid the area if possible. If you are in the immediate vicinity, calmly leave the area until further notice. If you see anything suspicious, call 911.

Update as of 2:39pm:

Attention Tampa Campus: The emergency alert is cancelled. The “man carrying a rifle†turned out to be an ROTC student, carrying a non-functional practice rifle. He has been located and interviewed, and it has been determined that no dangerous situation actually existed.

University Police, AlliedBarton Security, and USF Parking Enforcement quickly responded to the area, set up a safety perimeter, and thoroughly checked outside and inside areas. The Hillsborough Co. Sheriff’s Department also sent several deputies to check for the suspect and assist with the safety of the campus. The citizen who reported the possible problem deserves our thanks for being alert and quickly contacting the police.

Thankfully this turned out to be a false alarm, but the USF people and systems responded very professionally.

[USF_Girl]

they got the texts out really quickly. I was surprised on how fast they reacted- thats good in case something ever does happen.

[Velcro]

Why'd it take you 1:22 minutes to post it here? 

[flsportsfan83]

I agree. Great work by the people in charge.

[flsportsfan83]

Why'd it take you 1:22 minutes to post it here? 

didnt see it on my phone. It was in my desk. lol

[Jihme]

nice to know there was no danger.

[RicanBull]

Yea they were extremly fast. I work in admin bldg and i got the txt immediately after i overheard a conversation about it between my boss and another high ranking official. So I'd say that was fast.

I think they need to put an orange tip or something on those practice rifles.

[crambone]

Good to see.

[Bullschmutz]

was he in his military uniform? because anyone reporting that should be punched in the face.

like omg i saw someone walking across campus with a 9mm hostered on his hip. I made out some letters on his shirt, it said "Campus Police."

[JerseyBull06]

Yea they were extremly fast. I work in admin bldg and i got the txt immediately after i overheard a conversation about it between my boss and another high ranking official. So I'd say that was fast.

I think they need to put an orange tip or something on those practice rifles.

my guess is it was a drill team rifle used for ceremonies and competition which is one of many reasons it wouldn't have an orange tip...I used to carry them to and from practice in Boston all the time without incident. We always had them in cases when we weren't in uniform and would carry about 2 to 4 at a time. Even though they were unarmed we still kept them under lock and key at the campus police station. It's awesome that their response was so quick but it's sad that a college campus needs a response system like that.