Staffer arrested after leaving gun unattended at Miami-Dade school for adults with autism
Police have arrested an employee who they say left a gun unattended Tuesday at a Miami-Dade private school where young adults in the autism spectrum are taught independent living skills.
Nicholas Alexander Roman was charged with two counts of firearm possession on school grounds, county court records show. The 21-year-old has since been released from jail on a $5,000 bond.
Around noon Tuesday, Miami-Dade police received a 911 call alerting them to a gun found in a bag at Atlantis Academy - Miami LIFE Program, 10855 SW 72nd St., Suite 49, Miami-Dade Det. Alvaro Zabaleta told the Miami Herald. Further investigation revealed that an employee, later identified as Roman, had left the firearm behind.
“They found it inside a bag that appears to belong to an employee,” Zabaleta said.
Agents from Homeland Security Investigations also interviewed the employee, he added.
The school told Local 10 News that Roman, an administrative employee, has since been fired. His attorney information was not available Wednesday night.
The LIFE Program teaches young adults in the autism spectrum over the age of 18 “the necessary skills they need to live a more independent life both in the home and in the workplace,” the school’s website says.
The academy hasn’t responded to the Herald’s requests for comment.
Roman’s first formal appearance in court is set for Nov. 22.
This story was originally published October 24, 2023 at 3:22 PM.
