TERPS UPSET NO.1 FLORIDA!

Celebrations Shot Down, University Police Quick to Respond

Students enjoyed celebrating the Terps’ victory over Florida.  No arrests were made, and no property was reported as damaged.

A large group of students continued to march around campus following the events at Byrd Stadium.  They cheered for the team and chanted popular slogans.

Freshman Eric Snyder's leg was struck by what appeared to be a pepper paintball. This photo was taken minutes after the incident. Major Cathy Atwell of the University Police would not comment on the incident.

            Several freshmen got a taste of the University Police during the semi-riot following the men’s basketball 69-68 overtime victory over number one ranked Florida.

            Freshman Eric Snyder felt the presence the most.  As he walked around Byrd Stadium following the activity at the south end of the stadium, Snyder was shot in the leg with what appeared to be a pepper loaded paintball.

            Major Cathy Atwell of the Department of Public Safety would not comment on the ammunition used by riot police.  “I have no idea of anyone being shot by anything,” said Snyder, who had just been briefed by the officer in charge.

            Snyder, however, noticed being shot.  “I heard a pop and felt a pain in my leg,” he said, “I looked down and had been shot by one of the cops.”

             Snyder, who was walking well ahead of police toward his room in Ellicott Hall, fell victim to what appeared to be an accident on the part of riot police.

            Sophomore Jason Gant was being followed around the stadium by police at the back of the student crowd, estimated by Atwell to be around 600 strong.

            An unidentified officer approached Gant with his outstretched shield and ordered him to, “Pick up your feet, son.”  Gant replied that he was walking at a normal pace.

            Gant said that the officer then stepped on the back of his shoe and pushed him in the head with his weapon.  After being hit in the head, Gant said, “while continuing to walk, I saw [Snyder] limping because he had been hit with a shot in the leg.”

            Gant, who was not injured, said, “I certainly don’t appreciate being harassed and assaulted when I was doing exactly what they asked of me.”

            Snyder said he has no plans of trying to pursue any sort of legal action over the incident.  He did say, “I might have to see about doctor about [the leg],” which was badly bruised and swollen.

            Maj. Atwell said that as of shortly after the chaos was calmed down, no property damage or injuries had been reported.  She said that no arrests had been made and none were expected.

            Atwell said that no trouble was reported on fraternity row.  Several residents exited the houses and “hooted and hollered from the porches” and returned indoors, she said.

            “I am pleased,” she said of the outcome of the evening, despite needing to put officers in riot gear.  The police prevented students from gaining access to the football field, effectively protecting the prized goalposts students were after.           

            Freshmen Brittaney Faniel and Chima Amadi had different experiences with police.

            The couple drove in Amadi’s car to Byrd Stadium, “trying to view this spectacle,” Amadi said.  In order to prevent student entry to the stadium, the gates were then locked.

            After being told by riot police to, “move along,” Faniel responded that they were locked behind the gate and could not move along.

            A policewoman told the couple that they would be let out of the stadium as soon as everything was under control.

            After more than an hour in the rain, Faniel and Amadi were released from their stadium prison.

            Masses of students continued to march around campus cheering for the team into the early morning hours.  Police presence was seen, but no further contact with students was reported or expected.