UMPD searching for stabbing suspect
March 8, 2005
UMass Police are currently looking for one suspect in the stabbing of a UMass student early Sunday morning outside the Student Union Ballroom, according to UMPD Deputy Chief Patrick Archbald.
The stabbing took place during an after-party of a fashion show, which was hosted by Soul TV, a UMass registered student organization that promotes artistic programming.
Police say the male victim received a stab wound to the neck during the fight. Amherst Fire Department transported him to Holyoke Hospital where he was treated and released.
Eyewitnesses said the stabbing victim was a member of the UMass football team, but police would not confirm the victim's identity.
UMass Media Relations declined comment on the identity of the victim.
According to police, a fight erupted inside the ballroom around 12:30 a.m. before a group of people spilled outside the ballroom, where two officers stood detail. Police used pepper spray to diffuse the situation.
"There were about 30 people who were actively engaged in the fight," Archbald said. "That's when we used the pepper spray."
The group of 30 then split up into at least three smaller groups, who continued assaulting each other, said police.
Meanwhile, police claimed there was still a fight going on inside the ballroom that had not stopped. During this fight, an individual was allegedly kicked in the head.
Monique Jemmott, a UMass student who was director of the fashion show and the after-party said the chain of events happened very quickly.
"It was very chaotic," Jemmott said. "By the time I realized what happened, people were fleeing out the door."
According to witnesses, innocent bystanders attempting to flee the ballroom were subjected to inhaling pepper spray as they exited through the front doors. However, police defended their use of the spray, saying it was needed to protect the safety of the two officers.
15 UMass police officers responded to the fight along with K-9 units. But the dogs were not used on anyone involved in the incident.
The party took place after a successful fashion show, according to Jemmott, who said the show "went beautifully."
Anyone who has any information about the stabbing is urged to contact the UMass Police Department at 413-545-2121 or www.umass.edu/umpd/anonymousWitness.htm
-Dan O'Brien
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