Crime & Safety

Dominican: Security, Staff Followed Procedure During Fight

Internal investigation continuing into incident that led to 4 arrests when police broke up brawl involving more than 100 people on campus.

Dominican College officials said today that their investigation into a that broke out on the Orangeburg campus Monday night is continuing and that the college has taken steps to ensure the safety of the college community.

The brawl led to the arrests of four people and police from four different agencies were called in to break up what Orangetown police said was a fight that involved more than 100 people at the college campus off Western Highway.

The college reported today that the incident has not affected classes or the operation of the college.

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“The individuals who were directly involved have been identified and the college has taken the necessary steps to ensure the safety of its community,” the college said in a statement issued today. “As per the policies and procedures of the college, administrators are holding scheduled meetings with students and witnesses to the incident.”

The college says that its review of the incident found that many students were enjoying the summer-like temperatures Monday night and were gathered in small groups at the various tables and benches scattered around the patio and the quad on campus when the 9:45 p.m. incident took place.

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“The original altercation allegedly began between a student and a former student,” a statement by the college said. “Thus far, we have learned that the disturbance began on the quad and as per policy, campus security was called. By the time police were called a large crowd of onlookers had gathered in the area. A few students, allegedly friends of the individuals from the original disagreement, became involved and, according to the police, refused to follow police instructions. It seems that neither of the individuals from the original disagreement was involved in the subsequent activity and arrests.”

So far, the Dominican College review of the incident has found the Department of Safety and Security and administrators followed policies and protocols of the college.

“The safety and well being of our students and visitors are always of the highest priority,” the college said in its statement.

Orangetown police said the students involved in the brawl refused to stop fighting when police showed up and that one police officer was hit numerous times in the face as he was attempting to make an arrest. The officer was not seriously injured and no serious injuries were reported among those involved in the brawl.

Police said no drugs, alcohol or weapons were involved in the incident.

Arrested were:

- Stephanie Paniagua, 18, of Manhattan; she is charged with second-degree assault, resisting arrest and obstruction of governmental administration.

- Victor Cosme, 21, of Brooklyn; he is charged with obstruction of governmental administration, inciting to riot and disorderly conduct.

- Stephanie Dowe, 20, of the Bronx; she is charged with disorderly conduct.


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