A teenager has been arrested after discharging a firearm near the University of Central Florida (UCF) campus, Orlando police reported on Tuesday. The incident occurred late Monday evening, sending shockwaves through the local community and prompting a swift response from law enforcement.

According to the Orlando Police Department, officers were dispatched to the area near UCF following reports of gunshots. The calls began coming in around 9:30 p.m., with multiple residents in the vicinity reporting the sound of gunfire. Upon arrival, police found evidence of gunfire, including shell casings, but no immediate injuries were reported. The shell casings were collected as evidence, and forensic teams began examining them to determine the type of firearm used.

Witnesses at the scene described seeing a young male discharging a firearm before fleeing the area. Several witnesses provided detailed descriptions of the suspect's appearance and clothing, which aided police in their search. The suspect, later identified as 17-year-old Marcus Johnson, was apprehended a short distance from the scene after a brief foot pursuit. Johnson was found in possession of a handgun, which authorities believe was used in the incident. He was taken into custody without further incident and transported to the Orange County Juvenile Detention Center.

Initial reports suggest that the gunfire may have been the result of an altercation between Johnson and another individual. According to witnesses, a heated argument had taken place moments before the shots were fired. However, the exact motive behind the shooting remains under investigation. Police have not yet released details on whether the other individual involved has been identified or located. Detectives are conducting interviews with witnesses and reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses and residences to piece together the events leading up to the shooting.

The UCF Police Department also responded to the incident, working in coordination with Orlando police to ensure the safety of students and staff on campus. The university issued an alert to students and faculty shortly after the incident, advising them to avoid the area while police conducted their investigation. The alert included instructions for sheltering in place and was disseminated through multiple channels, including email, text messages, and social media. The alert was lifted after police confirmed that the situation was under control and that there was no ongoing threat to the campus community.

UCF spokesperson Chad Binette released a statement following the incident, emphasizing the university's commitment to safety. He reassured the campus community that additional security measures were being implemented. "The safety and security of our students, faculty, and staff are our top priorities. We are grateful for the swift response from both UCF and Orlando police, and we will continue to work closely with law enforcement to ensure the well-being of our campus community," Binette said. The university is also reviewing its emergency response protocols to identify any areas for improvement.

Local residents and students expressed their concerns following the incident, with many taking to social media to voice their reactions. Emily Harris, a UCF student, shared her anxiety about the proximity of the gunfire to campus. "It's really scary to think something like this could happen so close to campus," she said. "I'm just glad no one was hurt and that the police responded so quickly." Other students echoed her sentiments, with some calling for increased security measures and greater police presence in the area.

This incident highlights ongoing concerns about gun violence and safety in the areas surrounding college campuses. Law enforcement agencies in Orlando and at UCF have reiterated their commitment to maintaining a safe environment and are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward. Police have set up a dedicated tip line for this case, encouraging witnesses or anyone with relevant information to contact them. The tip line is being promoted through various community outreach efforts to ensure that all potential leads are pursued.

In the wake of the arrest, authorities are reminding the public of the importance of reporting suspicious activities and ensuring that firearms are handled responsibly. Orlando Police Chief Orlando Rolón emphasized the community's role in preventing such incidents. "Incidents like this underscore the need for vigilance and community cooperation," said Chief Rolón. "We urge residents to report any suspicious behavior and to take necessary precautions to prevent gun violence." He also highlighted the department's ongoing efforts to engage with the community through neighborhood watch programs and public safety workshops.

Johnson is facing multiple charges, including discharging a firearm in public, possession of a firearm by a minor, and evading arrest. His case will be processed through the juvenile justice system, and it is unclear at this time whether he will be charged as an adult. Legal experts note that the decision to charge a juvenile as an adult depends on several factors, including the severity of the crime and the individual's prior criminal history. If convicted, Johnson could face significant penalties, including potential incarceration and mandatory rehabilitation programs.

As the investigation continues, UCF and Orlando police are expected to increase patrols in the area to provide additional security and reassurance to the community. The university has also offered counseling services to students and staff affected by the incident, reinforcing their commitment to support and safety. UCF’s counseling center has extended its hours to accommodate those seeking help, and additional counselors have been made available to meet the increased demand.

The swift resolution of this case serves as a reminder of the importance of community awareness and cooperation with law enforcement in addressing and preventing acts of violence. As the investigation progresses, authorities are determined to uncover the full details surrounding the incident and ensure that justice is served. The collaborative efforts of the Orlando Police Department and the UCF Police Department highlight the critical role of interagency cooperation in maintaining public safety and swiftly responding to emergencies.