A 28-year-old Miami Dade College student is facing charges after Homestead police say they found marijuana and a handgun just off MDC’s Homestead campus, turning a routine narcotics check into a midday arrest.
Campus security called 911 on Wednesday, and officers moved in as a detective who was already working possible narcotics sales in the area closed in. Homestead police identified the suspect as Colson Kelvin Virgil, of Homestead, and said officers responded around 12:15 p.m. to the 500 block of College Terrace to help the detective, who was investigating reports of drug activity.
According to the incident report, the detective found marijuana on Virgil. When the detective picked up Virgil’s backpack, Virgil allegedly told officers there was a gun inside. Police say he was read his Miranda rights and agreed to speak with investigators, as reported by Local 10.
Charges and penalties
Jail records show Virgil faces one count of possession of a firearm on school property and one count of possession of cannabis under 20 grams.
Possession of a firearm on school property is prohibited under Florida law, as outlined in Florida Statute 790.115. Possession of 20 grams or less of cannabis is treated as a first-degree misdemeanor under Florida Statute 893.13, which can carry jail time and fines.
Evidence, custody and next steps
Police said the handgun will be swabbed for DNA and sent to the Miami-Dade crime lab, and the marijuana was impounded. Virgil was transported and booked, with his bond listed as “to be set,” according to the report.
Local jail records indicate he is currently being held at the Metro West Detention Center. Facility details are maintained by Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation. The initial report on the arrest was filed by Local 10.
Campus safety context
The arrest comes on the heels of other weapons incidents at or near the Homestead campus. In March, police arrested a man after he brought a gun onto the Homestead campus and triggered a lockdown, according to WSVN. Those episodes have renewed focus on security at MDC’s Homestead location.
Any formal charges and upcoming court dates will appear in official filings. The Miami-Dade Clerk of Court’s Criminal Justice Online Case Search provides the docket and case images. Miami-Dade Clerk of the Court maintains the county’s online case records.
