EAST LANSING – The East Lansing Police Department has announced 13 people will likely face charges following disturbances after the Michigan State University Men’s Basketball Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight victories.
Officers say the suspects will face charges for disorderly conduct violations, which include unlawfully remaining within 300 feet of an open fire and propelling objects at police.
The charges are misdemeanors, carrying penalties of up to 90 days in jail and $500 in fines, but the fallout for the suspects involved could go well beyond criminal charges.
In addition to the court proceedings, DTN Management Co. is considering evictions for those that were arrested should they reside at a DTN facility.
The City of East Lansing said in a Monday release that it’s supportive of safe, responsible celebrations, but there is no tolerance for setting illegal fires, throwing objects at police/bystanders and destroying public and private property.
“It is only a matter of time before someone gets seriously hurt at one of these disturbances,” said East Lansing Police Chief Juli Liebler.
With the NCAA Final Four coming up this weekend, students at Michigan State University should keep the following in mind:
– Anyone within 300 feet of an open fire that is not actively leaving the area can be arrested and faces a misdemeanor charge punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $500 fine.
– Any student who is found responsible for participating in an unlawful assembly or riot is subject to disciplinary sanctions, including suspension or expulsion from his/her school.
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