ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – A gunman threatened a bus driver Thursday evening at the University of Central Florida’s main campus, prompting a lockdown, according to the UCF Police Department.
UCF police said Friday that Takuya Leon Takahashi, 27, was arrested after they received a 911 call from a bus driver at a Lynx station near Parking Garage A about a “belligerent man” who had threatened the driver with a gun.
UCF police initially posted at 8:09 p.m. on X, formerly known as Twitter, about an “armed intruder.”
“Police responding. Avoid the area or shelter in place if nearby,” the rest of the post reads. The main campus was locked down for nearly an hour as police searched for the man.
UCF police Chief Carl Metzger told News 6 the man was trying to get on the bus, but the driver didn’t open the door. As a result, the suspect pulled out a handgun and pointed it at the driver, he added.
UCF Public Safety released a video of that incident, which can be viewed in the media player below:
Police said Takahashi took off on a bicycle before officers arrived, prompting the search.
Shortly after 9 p.m., UCF police announced he had been located on the main campus and was taken into custody.
Police said they were able to locate his weapon nearby, and no shots were fired during the incident.
“The suspect is currently being interviewed by police, and charges are pending,” police said.
In a release, UCF Police provided the following message:
We recognize that this was a frightening situation and understand this incident has impacted members of our campus community. UCF resources are available to students, faculty, and staff 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
For students, UCF’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) provides crisis-intervention services and comprehensive psychological services by appointment, walk-in or 24/7 hotline. To speak to a licensed therapist 24/7, call 407-823-2811 and press 5.
For faculty and staff, the Employee Assistance Program, provided by Health Advocate, is a university-funded benefit that offers the support and resources you need to address any personal challenges and/or concerns that may affect your personal well-being and/or work performance. This service is confidential and free to all faculty and staff and can be reached by calling their toll-free number at 877-240-6863 or by visiting their website at HealthAdvocate.com/members.
An open sharing space for conversation with CAPS and UCFPD will be available to the campus community Friday, Jan. 19, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Student Union 218.
As a reminder, UCF Police officers patrol campus 24/7, and dispatchers are always available to take your call. If you see something, say something – immediately and to police – so we can do something.
UCF Police officers are also available at the Student Union during business hours Monday-Friday to answer your questions and direct you to additional resources. Never be afraid to reach out for help. That’s what we’re here for.
UCF Police
Takahashi is facing charges of aggravated assault and possession of a weapon on school property.
At his first appearance in court Friday, Takahashi was appointed a public defender and a judge granted bond amounts of $5,000 for each charge. Takahashi was ordered to not return to the location and to have no contact with the victim, as well as told he cannot possess weapons.
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