University of Delaware Rugby Team Suspended Following Party
NEWARK, Del., (CBS) -- The University of Delaware Rugby Team has been suspended for five years following a disorderly party in Newark (see previous story).
A University of Delaware spokesperson says the students involved were referred to the Office of Student Conduct and the results of that investigation have not been disclosed.
Newark Police say officers responded to a disorderly party in the 400 block of South College Avenue on September 9th.
"The officers noticed that the crowd was a bit larger than your typical college party. They cleared the party out at the residence. They arrested both the residents for disorderly premises and some other related charges," Cpl. James Spadola told Eyewitness News the day after the incident.
While officers were dispersing the disorderly crowd, police say the mob began blocking traffic on South College Avenue and walking on the hoods of cars.
Police say officers observed a person with a camera that was causing the crowd to swell around it and act even more disorderly. After failing to disperse, police say officers took the cameraman into custody without incident.
The crowd continued onto Main Street and swelled to several thousand people that were blocking traffic and walking on cars, according to police.
About 75 officers from the University of Delaware Police, New Castle County Police and Delaware State Police responded to the scene to assist with dispersing the crowd.
The University sent a letter to students following the incident which read, in part:
"To be sure, the vast majority of students did not and would not participate in such an embarrassing, dangerous and costly episode. The few who did have cast a negative light on the University as a whole and on the character of our community."
Property damage consisted of several damaged cars, knocked down trash cans, and damaged signs, according to police.
Newark Police continue to investigate the incident and seek to identify 11 individuals.
Anyone with information regarding the identity of these individuals are asked to contact Detective Greg Micolucci at (302) 366-7110 x132 or greg.micolucci@cj.state.de.us. You can send an anonymous text message tip by texting 302NPD and your message to TIP411. Information can also be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at www.tipsubmit.com where a reward may be available.
