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All clear at University of South Florida: police can't confirm report of armed man on Tampa campus

 
Published March 21, 2016

TAMPA — Authorities said they could not confirm a report Monday afternoon that an armed man was spotted on the campus of the University of South Florida.

"Possible armed subject near northwest corner of campus," a campus-wide released at 1:49 p.m. said. "Urgent alert. Avoid area. Emergency personnel responding."

USF officials released a description of a possible suspect at 2:09. About 10 minutes later, an update gave the all clear sign after authorities were unable to confirm the report.

Someone called police after hearing a report from another person about an armed man near E Fletcher Avenue, crossing the street from Florida Hospital Tampa onto the campus, said USF police Lt. Charlotte Domingo. USF police officers and Hillsborough sheriff's deputies responded.

"We searched the area thoroughly," Domingo said. "We're going to continue to have a heavy presence in the area but as of this time we haven't been able to locate anyone."

The incident remained under investigation Monday.