LAFAYETTE, La. – A 22-year-old Lafayette man was arrested on the University of Louisiana campus Wednesday after campus police were alerted to a reported sighting of a handgun.
Leverin Hayward, who was staying in a campus dormitory, was taken into custody after a bystander reportedly saw him with a firearm inside a campus building. University of Louisiana police, who responded promptly to the call, confirmed that although Hayward did not display or threaten anyone with the weapon, the mere presence of a firearm on campus constitutes a criminal offense.
Authorities did not disclose the specific building where the incident occurred. Hayward, who was staying at the dorm with a student, was charged with carrying a firearm on school property.
The arrest highlights the university’s strict policies regarding weapons on campus, which aim to ensure the safety and security of students and staff. Hayward was taken into custody without incident, and the investigation remains ongoing.