MURFREESBORO, Tenn. -- Channel 4 News is learning more about the man who is accused of threatening large-scale destruction at Middle Tennessee State University.

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Justin Davis, 19, who is from the Antioch area of Nashville, was charged on Thursday with an act of terrorism and three counts of arson.

Students who knew Davis said he was starting his second year of studies at MTSU in the pre-dental hygienist program. Campus police said he has no criminal record, but they received a call from his mother a few weeks ago because she said she was concerned about her son.

"She had not heard from him and was unable to get in touch with him and was concerned, and so we went over to Miss Marry (dorm) and did welfare check at his residence hall. We located him, and he was just fine and no problems," said MTSU Police Chief Buddy Peaster.

But days after police checked on Davis, they said he set a bag on fire inside the stairwell of his dorm and sent threatening e-mails to a few students and staff, including the dean of the College of Business at MTSU.

"Hopefully we can find out some information about his classes to see if that factored in. There has been some speculation that maybe this was just part of his personality," said Peaster.

Two Antioch neighbors of Davis said on Friday they were shocked about the allegations concerning Davis and said he was a very nice gentleman.

Neighbors said they saw Davis cutting grass, and always saw him playing football with his little brother.

Now, after the charges, one neighbor said they were scared to live in the neighborhood.

MTSU officials canceled classes until Oct. 15 because of the threat. The university's fall break was already scheduled for Oct. 11 to 14. Davis is in jail in Rutherford County and being held on $500,000 bond. He is scheduled to appear in court Nov. 25.