GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- A Santa Fe Community College student accused of pulling a gun during a confrontation in the school's cafeteria about noon on Tuesday turned himself in later in the day at a nearby apartment complex.

About 70 officers -- campus and Gainesville police and Alachua County sheriff deputies -- spent the early afternoon searching the college's main campus on Northwest 83rd Street after receiving several reports of a man with a gun.

Campus officials said the gun was not fired and there were no injuries.

"While a weapon was displayed, it wasn't used, and to our knowledge, there wasn't any threat to use it on any one individual," said Larry Keen, college spokesman.

About five hours after the incident, Maj. Tom Terry, Santa Fe Community College Police said the man, identified as Talon Deante Jackson, had turned himself in to police and deputies at the Melrose Apartments.

Jackson was booked into the Alachua County Jail on charges of aggravated assault and possession of a weapon on school grounds.

News about a gunman began circulating around campus about 1 p.m. and the college sent a mass e-mail to students and faculty.

The campus was evacuated and buildings were systematically searched by officers, some with dogs. As each building was cleared, everyone inside was sent off campus.

"We don't believe it was random," Sheriff's spokesman Art Forgey told the Gainesville Sun while the search was under way. "(The incident) was not directed at the school in general. We believe he was looking for one person. There was apparently a purpose."

By 3 p.m., officials said they believed they had identified the gunman and believed that he had left campus.

About 5 p.m., Jackson turned himself in and the campus was reopened. Classes were scheduled to resume at 7 p.m.

Students, Faculty Notified By E-Mail

Shortly after the report of a gunman came in, college administrators sent the following e-mail to students and faculty:

GUNMAN REPORTED AT SFCC NORTHWEST CAMPUS

A man displayed a handgun at the Santa Fe Community College Northwest Campus Food Court at approximately 12 p.m. noon Tuesday, February 19. The weapon was not used.

The individual is reported to be an African American male with a dark complexion, approximately 5 feet five inches in height with a medium build, wearing a green and brown striped shirt with baggy blue shorts that reach his ankles.

A man fitting the description of this individual was reported five minutes later at the SFCC Gym without incident. There are no other reports on this individual.

SFCC Police officers responded at the scene and called the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, which is responding to the Northwest Campus.

All students and employees are urged to exercise caution. Do not approach this individual.

Updates will be sent as soon as possible.

Channel 4's Scott Johnson is in Gainesville and will provide an updated, live report on the local station at 10 p.m.