The University of South Florida watched on Sunday as one of its top football recruits was arrested for discharging a firearm on campus.
Benjamin Knox, a second-year offensive lineman for the University of South Florida, was arrested on Sunday afternoon after firing a handgun into the side of a dormitory building on the school’s Tampa campus.
According to WFLA, Knox fired several shots at the side of the Holly D dormitory, apparently from a position near the player’s car around 4:00 a.m. Police responded to the scene and initially were unable to locate a shooter. However, after finding the used shell casings, a box of ammo, and the empty gun case, investigators soon determined who the shooter was and took Knox into custody after finding him in his room with the weapon.
Knox, a redshirt freshman, will be charged with Possession or Discharge of a Firearm on Campus, Shooting Into an Ocuppied Dwelling.
Given the heightened fear around college campuses after recent shootings at Northern Arizona University, Texas Southern University, and Umpqua Community College, the shows a complete lack of social awareness and a contempt for safety of his fellow students. Needless to say, both the law and the school were quick to act on the news, with the University issuing the following statement:
"“USF Athletics is aware of an incident involving student-athlete Benjamin Knox that occurred early Sunday morning. The student-athlete in question has been immediately suspended from all team activities. We are in the process of gathering more information on the matter and are working with the proper authorities. This type of behavior is not consistent with the values of our institution and will not be tolerated.”"
Knox is being held at Hillborough County Jail and has been issued bail at $15,000. Per Florida statutes, Knox may see some significant jail time on the charge of firing into an occupied dwelling. If the courts determine the offense is a capital offense, it could result is a jail term of 15 years to life according to the State of Florida.
(h/t WFLA)