Campus arrest update: man found with gun released

Saint Paul Police have released the suspect who was arrested on South Campus early Thursday morning after St. Thomas Public Safety discovered he had a handgun, ammunition and what officers believed to be marijuana.

Paul Paulos, Saint Paul Police Department public information officer, said the man was released early Friday from Ramsey County jail and charges are pending.

The man was arrested for possession of stolen property after officers found the handgun. Police say the handgun was taken on Aug. 21, 2011, in Minnetonka.

Paulos said the man will be charged pending further investigation because narcotics were found.

Public Safety’s report stated officers patrolling Lot O around 4:45 a.m., found a suspicious vehicle near the Binz Refectory. When they approached, a man with no ties to the university stepped out of the vehicle. The report says the man appeared confused and disoriented. He told officers he was studying but could not say where on campus.

The officers searched the man and his vehicle. In the back seat, they found ammunition plus a handgun inside a binoculars case. Officers also found what they believe to be marijuana.

St. Paul police officers responded and arrested the man.

Paulos commended St. Thomas public safety officers for noticing the suspicious vehicle in the permit-only parking lot, approaching the suspect, and containing the scene until police arrived.

“They did an excellent job in preventing any harm that could have occurred,” Paulos said.

Public Safety does not believe the campus faces an ongoing threat.

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