Newark Police make arrests while dispersing disorderly crowd Monday night

5:50 p.m., Sept. 10, 2013--Newark Police have arrested two University of Delaware students in the wake of a massive crowd Monday night, Sept. 9, in the downtown area.

Police responded to a disorderly party in the 400 block of South College Avenue at about 11:30 p.m.

Officers observed more than 1,000 people in the area and found a disc jockey who was set up in the back yard of the house. Multiple people were urinating in public and trespassing through other yards in the area. 

The residents of the house, both UD students, were arrested for hosting a disorderly premise. Both were charged with underage consumption, noise, disorderly premises and failure to obtain a special event permit.

The University issued a statement, saying, “The University of Delaware is committed to the safety of its students and the community. UD Police are cooperating with the Newark Police Department in its ongoing investigation of the Sept. 9 incident on South College Avenue. Two UD students arrested and charged by Newark Police will be referred to the University’s Office of Student Conduct.”

Newark Police said that while officers were dispersing the disorderly crowd, police said the group began blocking traffic on South College Avenue and walking on the hoods of cars. 

Officers observed a subject with a camera and said the presence of the camera was causing the crowd to swell around it and act even more disorderly. After failing to disperse, officers took the cameraman into custody without incident. He was charged with disorderly conduct.

Police said the crowd continued onto Main Street and swelled to several thousand people, who were blocking traffic and walking on cars.

Approximately 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.

Newark Police report that they did not receive any reports of a car fire, as pictured in social media. 

Property damage consisted of several damaged cars, knocked down trashcans, and damaged signs. A complete tally of damaged property is not available at this time. 

No officers or members of the crowd were injured. 

The investigation into this incident is ongoing and more charges may follow. 

The University of Delaware Office of Student Conduct is holding an emergency hearing for the two students arrested in this incident. 

While no additional problems are expected tonight, extra officers will be on duty. 

Newark Police will continue a zero tolerance approach toward crime and will immediately refer any students arrested to the University of Delaware Office of Student Conduct.

Anyone with additional information on this incident should contact Det. Greg Micolucci at 302-366-7110 ext. 132 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.