The University of Connecticut Police Department is currently investigating after an incident took place at the Connecticut Hall dining facility Thursday night. An individual used hand motions to imply that they were carrying a weapon, according to University Spokesperson Stephanie Reitz. The individual also reportedly yelled at students to “get on the ground.”
UConn Police concluded that no weapons were present at the scene, and no one was injured. All individuals involved in the incident have been identified, though the investigation is still ongoing, according to Reitz.
“Police determined no weapons or other dangerous items were present and no injuries were reported,” Reitz said. “The individuals responsible for this incident have been identified and the investigation remains open and active.”
Reitz also said that the individual(s) involved in the incident could be subject to “sanctions under the Student Code of Conduct up to and including expulsion,” along with any criminal charges they might face.
The Student Code, which can be found on the UConn Office of Community Standards’ website, lists behaviors and acts that constitute code violations. The list includes “harming behavior” and “endangering behavior,” among several other behaviors.
Harming behavior, according to the code, “includes, but is not limited to, the true threat of or actual physical assault or abuse and also includes harassment. For the purposes of The Student Code, bullying is considered a form of harassment.”
Endangering behavior “includes, but is not limited to, conduct that threatens or jeopardizes the health or safety of any person including one’s self,” according to the code.
Policies regarding the handling of allegations and investigations can also be found in the Student Code. In regard to sanctions, the Student Code includes descriptions of the processes of warnings, university probation, university suspension and finally university expulsion.
When asked about details of the incident or potential relation to fraternity hazing or rushing, Reitz said the university cannot discuss more while the investigation is still open.
This is a developing story and will be updated when new information is received regarding the ongoing investigation.