Recordpub.com - Parties remain peaceful Police patrols increased in Kent, few are arrested

photograph by michael k. dakota/ 050209/ Lincoln Street

photograph by michael k. dakota/ 050209/ A large police presence on Lincoln may have kept things calm Saturday night.

photograph by michael k. dakota/ 050209/ Pat Welsh and Jared Smith react to a good toss during a game of Cornhole on Lincoln Street Saturday evening.

By Diane Smith

Record-Courier staff writer

There was drinkin’ on Lincoln but little mania at “Shermania” as students held low-key parties to mark the end of the semester at Kent State University Saturday.

Parties started early in the day in Kent neighborhoods near the KSU campus, and at dusk, numerous plastic cups littered yards. But the parties seemed to be low-key, with 10 to 20 people assembled in various yards and on front porches.

Police officers, armed with plastic bands that could be used as handcuffs if needed, walked down streets, greeting students and warning them not to block the sidewalk.

Councilman Robin Turner walked with a group of police officers who were patrolling North Lincoln Street. Turner remarked that one of the officers told him the night was still young. Moments later, five people walked past him, each carrying a case of beer.

He said he had received many complaints from residents after last week’s riots on College Street, and said he has given thought to establishing a committee to prevent future problems.

“People are not just talking about tonight, it’s a quality of life issue that’s happening all the time,” he said.

Participants, meanwhile, said the “Drinkin’ on Lincoln” and “Shermania” events were annual parties that had always been problem-free, and said they resented being painted in the same light as the rioters of the previous week.

“What happened at College Fest was an isolated incident,” said Jordan Hamrick, who was attending a party on North Lincoln with friends Joe Campbell and Tom Smith.

Campbell, who was wearing a “Shermania” T-shirt, as did Smith, said students had proved Saturday that they could be responsible and still have fun.

Smith said his house got a ticket for violating the city’s noise ordinance early that afternoon. He said he and his neighbor both were to blame for not getting to know one another.

“As college students, we’re not trying to start a riot,” he said. “We’re just trying to enjoy the end of the semester and have fun with some friends. We’re just trying to live the college experience.”

A musician walking to the Robin Hood bar, who planned to perform there later that night, said he hoped the parties would not get out of control. He said he was worried his band’s equipment might be damaged if that were to happen.

“Nobody deserves to get hurt,” he said.

A Sherman Street resident, who did not want to be identified, pointed out that there were 30 student-occupied homes on College Street, and only seven houses on Sherman Street where people were having parties. Her party had wound down early, and her friends were going to get food.

“Kent would be nothing without the students,” she said.

Capt. Michelle Lee said officers were experiencing a quiet night. Officers were patrolling Sherman, Lincoln, College and University Drive. A team also was patrolling the University Townhomes, a trouble spot in previous years.

In addition to Kent police, officers from the Kent State University Police Department were patrolling, as were representatives from the Metro SWAT Team, the Portage County Sheriff’s Office, the Ohio Department of Liquor Control and the Ohio Highway Patrol. Several people were pulled over by troopers from the Ohio Highway Patrol on routes leading to and from the city, as troopers aimed to control drunk driving.

Lee said there had been few arrests, mostly for underage drinking, but most parties were peaceful.

“Nobody wants to have any trouble,” she said. “They just wanted to have a relaxing Saturday night.”

4.	Posted by I'M NOT A BAD GUY May 3, 2009
	I am not surprised that all was peaceful last night. Nearly all he students are really great kids and do not deserve the treatment many received once the trouble began. The Record Courier was one of the few media sources who did not refer it as a "Kent State Riot". KSU did not organize or sponsor "College Fest". The party got is name from College Street and the proper permits were issued by the city of Kent. If I had a party called "Pukin On the River at River Bend" would I blame the residents of River Bend that includes Portage County Commissioner Smiles and President Lefton. If there were 25 people from Goodyear at the fire, would I call it the "Goodyear Riot?" When it comes to those who chose to start and fuel the fire, they should be dealt with according to the law. Those who threw bottles at police or fireman or paramedics or destroyed property should be given some jail time. Several years ago during a dumpster fire someone threw a key in the fire a huge explosion occurred. Fortunately no one was injured. A fireman does not know what is in the fire and take a big risk when they approach. Last Saturday someone threw something in fire and a small explosion occurred. I would give very harsh punishment to those who threw bottles at the fireman and paramedics. They are there to put out the fire and treat the injured. Even in war the Red Cross is respected. I hope that there will be a fair investigation by someone other than Kent City Police Chief Peach. His public comments indicate that he is either biased or does not have a clue. Many at the party say they did not hear the order to disperse. For those who did hear the order they did not have time to leave. Others say they issued the order and immediately the storm troopers began firing rubber bullets and pepper bombs randomly at anyone. What would have been wrong with giving a lawful order to disperse and allowing those who chose to leave time to go? Hopefully someone took a video of the police action. If Kent PD took the video I hope they do not destroy the evidence so it is not available for an FBI investigation, Let me discuss one arrest. The student lives in a house on College Street. His roommates got a permit for a party. He was inside his house with all his friends. It got hot in the house and the police shot a pepper ball in the house. When he stepped out on his own porch, a "storm trooper" told him to "go home". He said he was home. The policeman got on the porch put a belly club around his neck and gave his a hard arrest even though he put his hands behind his back for a peaceful arrest. When he asked the officer why he was arrested he was told to "Shut Up". He was handed off to other officers. There were no paddy wagons available and he was forced to walk to jail where he was held for 7 hours before be told why he was arrested. If the charges will hold, and I hope they do not, he will not get a job in the field he has prepared for because of his criminal record. Where is the accountability for the police officers who were not from the Kent City or Kent Sate police department? In the arrest case I describe above, the officer did not have a badge or identification. Just as some of the students acted in a mob action, some of the police were like mad dogs just waiting to bust some heads once they go the order. This was not Chicago. Did the police give sufficient and enough warning before shooting at the party goers who were not breaking the law. Why would pepper bombs be aim at homes? Does this just force more people out on street? What if the person in the arrest described above had two beers and was forced to leave his home, would he have been arrested for public intoxication? Once he is off his own porch he is now with crowd on the street and is NOW SUBJECT TO ARRREST FOR FAILURE TO DISPURSE. How can this student win? I can tell you that he is the nicest kid. I have watched this find young man grow up and he is a victim of improper arrest. Hopefully the prosecutor will drop the charges. Just think about all the wrong-doing in Ravenna with Paul Jones and only one person was convicted. I say why ruin this young man's future with inappropriate arrest.What is this were you child? Last night I was driving through Kent around 9 PM. Police had cars pulled over every where. Two years ago I was going on route 261 at 5 miles below the speed limit. I was stopped by Highway Patrol when the officer said I ran off the road. This was a totaling false charge and that I demanded to see the video be shown and the place where I ran off road. When I challenged him he let me go without looking at driver's license. WE ALL LOSE RESPECT FOR POLICE WHEN THEY ABUSE THEIR POWER BECAUSE THEY CAN. I SALUTE THE MANY GOOD OFFICERS WHO RESPECT THEIR AUTHORITY WITHOUT ABUSING THEIR AUTHORITY.