A quiet college campus north of Orlando became the center of a startling discovery when a massive shipment arrived at a Rollins College dormitory: 1,500 rounds of 9-mm ammunition. The package, addressed to a 21-year-old senior, immediately raised alarms, triggering an investigation that would reveal a hidden arsenal.
School officials, alerted by the unusual delivery, conducted a search of the student’s room. Beneath the bed, they found an unloaded AR-15 rifle, accompanied by six ammunition magazines. The discovery sent a ripple of concern through the campus community, prompting a swift response from local authorities.
The investigation didn’t stop there. A more thorough search uncovered a collection of tactical gear: multiple knives, a tactical vest, a security vest, ear protection, and a pistol storage case. These items painted a picture far beyond typical student belongings, raising serious questions about the student’s intentions.
During questioning, the student, identified as Constantine Demetriades, admitted awareness of the college’s weapon ban. However, he claimed he mistakenly believed possessing ammunition on campus wasn’t illegal. His explanation offered a glimpse into a disconnect between policy and perceived legality.
Demetriades explained he had recently returned from a Thanksgiving trip to New Jersey, bringing the AR-15 with him. He possessed a valid concealed carry permit from New Jersey, but was seemingly unaware that it held no legal standing in Florida. This detail highlighted a potential misunderstanding of state laws.
He further stated that he typically stored the weapon at a friend’s residence off-campus, only bringing it to school on rare occasions – this being one of them. Demetriades insisted he harbored no malicious intent, portraying the situation as a misjudgment rather than a threat.
Demetriades revealed that target shooting was a hobby, and he had previously worked as armed security at Orlando nightclubs. This background offered context to his possession of the weapons, suggesting a level of familiarity and training. However, it didn’t negate the violation of campus policy.
Ultimately, Demetriades was arrested and charged with possession of a firearm on school property. A court appearance followed, where a judge determined he was eligible for pre-trial release, leaving the case to unfold as the investigation continues.
