On Saturday, March 25, 2023, over a thousand college students joined in on one of the year’s biggest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. According to University Officials, six people were arrested that day.
On Lowes street, where the celebration was being held, it has been reported that a vehicle was overturned by some taking part in the celebration. This prompted UD public safety and law enforcement officers to clear the streets around 4 that evening.
The University released the following statement: “A gathering today on Lowes Street was peaceful for most of the day. Unfortunately, just after 4 p.m., it was interrupted by a small group who violated our community standards by destroying a vehicle, overturning it on the street, and then jumping on top of it.
As officers tried to bring that situation under control, bottles, cans, and other objects were thrown at them. Additional law enforcement resources were called to the scene. Officers then broadcast orders to clear the street from both police cruisers and a loudspeaker. The University also sent emails and text messages asking people to leave the area. There were at least six arrests made while officers were clearing the street” (Flyer New).
Officers released tear bombs to try and clear the streets of the many college students who were attending. Jackson Flynn, a student visiting from the University of Cincinnati, and his friends from the University of Dayton participated in the celebration.
“There were so many people there it was crazy. People were punching and destroying a car that was parked on the street. The next thing I know, they were flipping it over, and the police were shooting and throwing tear gas at us, trying to get us off the street,” Flynn said.
As students fled the scene, chaos was brought down to a minimum before the celebration was shut down for good. The University of Dayton wanted to thank those who did what they were told and helped police officers do their job.
Sophie Hegyi.
Reporter