UP, man on campus scuffle

An altercation between a University Police (UP) officer and an individual on campus involved pills and pepper spray Tuesday night.

UP Spokesman Lt. Chris Daniel said UP was called by Allied Barton Security, who reported an intoxicated person around 8:45 p.m. between Maple Hall buildings A and B.

The individual, later identified as Daniel Hudson, is neither a student nor affiliated with the University in any way, UP Communications Officer James Cara said, and appeared to be “disturbed.”

Cara said all five UP officer on duty responded to the call.

Daniel said Hudson did not comply with officials and i nitially hid in vegetation growing around the buildings.

“Hudson refused to comply with directions … and physically resisted their efforts to gain his compliance,” he said.

During a “scuffle” with police, Daniel said Hudson swallowed multiple prescription pills.

Cara said an officer sprayed Hudson with pepper spray after he continued to be uncooperative.

Hudson was transported to Florida Hospital Tampa, formerly University Community Hospital, by Tampa Fire Rescue under the Baker Act, which allows law enforcement officials and mental health professionals to subject individuals to involuntary mental evaluations if they are deemed to be a threat to themselves or others.