Man Who Triggered Lockdown at University of New Haven Facing Federal Charges

A Connecticut man who caused a gun scare at the University of New Haven last month has been charged with a federal firearms offense.

Federal prosecutors say 23-year-old William Dong is charged with unlawful transport into Connecticut of a semi-automatic Bushmaster rifle that he bought in Pennsylvania in September.

Dong has been in state custody since his arrest on Dec. 3. He appeared in federal court in New Haven on Tuesday and prosecutors say he agreed to a federal detention order.

Authorities say Dong was arrested carrying two loaded handguns on campus and had the Bushmaster and bullets in his car parked nearby. His lawyer has said he expected Dong to plead not guilty to state weapons charges.

Police have said they weren't sure why Dong brought the guns to campus.