The lockdown of three college campuses in Davie Thursday stemmed from the sighting of a man walking with a toy rifle, according to the Davie Police Department.
"After clearing the scene at the #Davie college area. A #DaviePolice officer located an individual with this toy gun walking on Stirling Rd. They both matched the description given by the witness," Davie police said in a statement early Friday. "The toy gun was collected and the investigation was turned over to detectives."
Police gave the "all clear" Thursday night after a "suspicious incident" placed the Davie campuses of Broward College, Florida Atlantic University and Nova Southeastern University on lockdown.
Police said they received reports of a person wielding a rifle at the FAU Davie campus, located at 3200 College Avenue.
During a news conference Thursday night, Lt. Mark Leones said the department received a call from a student shortly after 9 p.m.
The student said she was leaving class and was pulling out of the parking lot when she saw a man with a white beard holding what appeared to be a rifle. The man then raised the rifle in the air and started walking toward her car, the student told police.
The department said they placed Broward College, FAU and NSU on lockdown as a precaution, especially since the schools are in close proximity of each other.
Broward College posted about the lockdown on Twitter, saying: "Shelter in place. The campus is on lockdown due to police activity in the area. Please await further instructions."
Florida Atlantic University and Nova Southeastern University also warned students of a dangerous situation unfolding on or near their respective Davie campuses.
The universities urged students to get to a safe location and to remain alert.
The lockdown was lifted late Thursday night.
