8 Arrested Following Post-Game Riots In Morgantown
(Photo Credit: Paul Spradley/KDKA)
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (KDKA/AP) – Police say eight people have been arrested and more than two dozen cited following riots that erupted in Morgantown after West Virginia University’s win over Baylor.
According to police, fans lit fires, pushed over street lights and threw rocks, beer bottles and other items at police.
Morgantown Police Chief Ed Preston says the charges and criminal citations included underage consumption, malicious burning, destruction of property and disorderly conduct.
Preston said Tuesday in a news release that eight police cars belonging to several law enforcement agencies were damaged by rocks, beer bottles and construction debris thrown by rioters. A fire engine and two Morgantown fire marshal vehicles also were damaged.
“It becomes stressful for everyone involved, especially the firefighters and police officers, trying to get control of the situation when the crowds continue to escalate and increase around them,” City Manager Jeff Mikorski said.
The university has said any student found to be involved in the incidents will face sanctions, up to and including expulsion.
The university is continuing to review social media posts and video to try and identify others involved.
Mikorski said the city is also looking at a bill that would ban upholstered furniture from outdoor areas, saying while that won’t stop the behavior, it may take away some of the fuel.
You May Also Be Interested In These Latest News Stories
Join The Conversation On The KDKA Facebook Page
Stay Up To Date, Follow KDKA On Twitter
(TM and © Copyright 2011 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
