Purdue News
Purdue News
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March 24, 2000 Damage minor in Purdue post-game celebrationWEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – A student celebration of Purdue's third-round victory in the NCAA men's basketball tournament Thursday (3/23) produced no serious injuries and minimal damages, university officials said today (Friday, 3/24). Four Purdue students were arrested when Purdue police, assisted by four other law enforcement units, used tear gas to break up a crowd of about 100 people who had started a bonfire on Stadium Avenue at the north end of the campus. Following the Boilermakers' 75-66 victory over Gonzaga, students who had been watching the game telecast poured out of housing units and celebrated in the streets. Joseph L. Bennett, vice president for university relations, said the crowd was peaceful for more than hour. "We had between 1,000 and 2,000 people outside just enjoying the victory and having a good time," he said. "Unfortunately, a small part of the group began to get destructive, and that necessitated the police action." Bennett said police decided to disperse the group after several members set fire to a sofa and some tree branches. "The police action was timely and highly effective. The coordinated unit's excellent response is the reason we had no injuries and almost no damage," he said. Besides the Purdue University police, officers from the West Lafayette and Lafayette police departments, the Tippecanoe County Sheriff's Office and the Indiana State Police participated in the coordinated effort. Bennett said extra officers will be on duty after Purdue's game against Wisconsin on Saturday afternoon, and others will be on standby. The students arrested were Scott K. Smith, 19, of Wiley Hall; Christopher L. Bower, 20, of 645 Waldron St.; and Patrick J. Baumann, 20, of 314 Russell St., all charged with disorderly conduct and resisting law enforcement; and Michael P. Perotti, 20, of 308 North St., accused of public intoxication. All were released on bail Friday. Bennett said the students face disciplinary action by the Office of the Dean of Students, as well as possible prosecution by the Tippecanoe County prosecutor. Bennett said damage was estimated at about $600, of which $450 was the cost of cleanup. Source: Joseph L. Bennett, (756) 494-2082, (765)463-1731, jbennett@purdue.edu Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu
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