The University of Dayton administration announced “large non-[university] sponsored gatherings will not be permitted today” following a disturbance on Kiefaber Street, according to an emailed statement from Teri Rizvi, associate vice president for university communications.
At approximately 4:45 a.m., University of Dayton police gathered on the 400 block of Kiefaber, where St. Patrick’s Day revelers had gathered for a “40s at 4 a.m.” party. Revelers were seen dancing on cars and throwing glass 40-ounce beer bottles into the street, hitting cars.
City of Dayton police joined University of Dayton police around 4:50 a.m. At around 5 a.m., police were spotted in riot gear near the intersection of Kiefaber Street and Lawnview Avenue.
Then, at approximately 5:30 a.m., police from at least six jurisdictions moved eastward down the 400 block of Kiefaber, forcing revelers into the houses and alleyways lining the street.
By 5:40 a.m., University of Dayton president Dan Curran arrived on scene at Lawnview and Kiefaber. Curran paced down the 400 block of Kiefaber then walked through the alley to Lowes. While on Lowes, Curran posed for pictures and interacted with revelers. As Curran left the gathering on Lowes, police in riot gear approached the house and forced students inside.
Curran continued to interact with revelers in the alley between the 400 blocks of Lowes and Kiefaber when police in riot gear approached the gathering. As the police attempted to break up the group, the officers’ riot shields pushed the students and Curran.
Following the incident, police continued to patrol the Ghetto in riot attire, including shields, helmets and batons. Police blocked off Kiefaber and Lowes streets at Lawnview while crews from Facilities Management cleaned the streets.
Shortly after 10 a.m., Bruce Burt, university police chief and director of Public Safety, and Bill Fischer, vice president of Student Development released an email statement via Rizvi.
“No one was injured during a disturbance on Kiefaber Street early this morning after public safety officers responded to a false fire alarm,” the email read. “One non-student was arrested, and several cars, including a police cruiser, were damaged. Several area police jurisdictions responded, and the disturbance was quickly contained. We thank area police for their responsiveness to this situation.
“While the vast majority of students were not involved in this incident, the behavior is unacceptable and disappointing. We want to ensure that any St. Patrick’s Day celebrations on campus today are safe. Students are expected to comply with any requests from public safety officers or other University officials. Students also are expected to comply with our Community Standards of Behavior, and will be held accountable for non-compliance.”
The email continued: “SI and D lots will be closed. Other campus parking lots will be monitored and access-controlled to provide adequate parking for students, faculty, staff and visitors for Masses, workshops, theater productions and other University events today. A number of non-alcohol events, such as cookouts, movies, bowling and pizza gatherings, will be held across campus. Please see “Porches” for a complete schedule.”
UPDATE: University spokeswoman Teri Rizvi released an additional statement to the media Sunday afternoon. Rizvi confirmed 11 cars, including a police cruiser, were damaged. She also confirmed in the statement that Curran was “struck by a shield from a police officer” while he was “on the scene encouraging students to go back to their houses.” The statement confirmed UD public safety officers escorted the university president away from the scene.
Bill Fischer, vice president for Student Development, will hold media availability Monday afternoon. The university is also expected to release an additional press statement, as well.
Flyer News will continue to cover this story as more information becomes available.
