UCF police investigate campus threat

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - A heavy police presence could be seen during an intense few hours on the University of Central Florida campus tonight after UCF Police said a man phoned-in a threat into their non-emergency number.

“He claimed to have weapons and he claimed that he wanted to threaten the campus,” said Deputy Chief Carl Metzger.  He says UCF Police immediately.  “In an abundance of caution, we deployed officers to the areas of campus with the highest student, person population. The officers went to those locations and made sure there was no threat there.”

The threat called in just as light up UCF was really getting underway and within two hours of the UCF men’s basketball team tipping off.  

“He was not specific on locations, individuals or methods.  The individual was impaired. it was very evident that he was either on drugs or alcohol. he did claim at one time he was on campus, but didn't give a specific location. We did not believe the threat was real. In an abundance of caution did move additional resources to light up UCF and the arena,” said Deputy Chief Metzger.

Leeann Spalthoff was in route to Light Up UCF with her three girls when she got word of the threat.

“We were nervous. We were going to turn around and we drove around here and didn't really see too much going on and we came,” said Spalthoff.  

She’s thankful that police deemed the threat not to be credible and that she and her family got to enjoy a fun and safe evening.  

“I just don't imagine what goes through their head to want to hurt innocent people,” said Spalthoff.