Portland Police and Public Safety received reports of gunshots that turned out to be fireworks
By Enid Spitz Asst. Copy Editor spitz13@up.edu
Portland police received multiple calls reporting gunshots heard near UP's Fields and Schoenfeldt Halls in the early morning hours, Oct. 6, according to Harold Burke-Sivers, director of Public Safety.
"I got the call probably around 2 a.m.," Burke-Sivers said.
The supposed gunshots were actually the sounds of fireworks exploding, according to Burke-Sivers.
He thinks setting off fireworks on campus was probably someone idea of a joke.
"It was probably a prank," Burke-Sivers said. "They thought it would be funny to do it that early in the morning."
Public Safety officers did not find the party responsible for setting off the fireworks, but they are still looking into the matter.
"So far we don't have any leads, but we're continuing the investigation," Burke-Sivers said.
Public Safety questioned people in the surrounding area and in The Anchor to find out if they had seen anything suspicious, according to Burke-Sivers.
The noise woke up students in the nearby Fields and Schoenfeldt Halls.
"I think it was at like 1 a.m.," sophomore Jessica Morales said. "I thought it was gunshots. I didn't know what it was until I saw someone's post about it the next morning on facebook."
In the corner triple of Fields Hall's third floor, sophomore Lauren Mainero and her roommates actually saw the fireworks exploding.
"It sounded like gunshots, so we all woke up and looked outside and saw sparks flying by," Mainero said.
The fireworks seemed to be set off near the basketball court in front of the hall, according to both Mainero and Morales.
Possession and use of fireworks by UP students is outlawed under the weapons clause in the University's Code of Conduct. This applies to activities on or off campus, and any failure to comply with University rules could result in possible suspension or dismissal from the University
Many fireworks are also illegal under Oregon state law.
Any firework that emits fire or explodes more than 12 inches in diameter or over six feet off the ground is illegal, according to the state fire marshal. Legal fireworks have to be purchased from an official retailer and set off away from public beaches and forests.
A student found violating the University rules or Oregon law would be referred to the department for student discipline, according to Burke-Sivers.
No student has been held accountable for the disturbance, as of the last report from Burke-Sivers.
UP's code of conduct
"The Code of Conduct sets forth University conduct expectations to students on University property, at all University sponsored activities held on or off campus, and to students' off campus behavior that the University determine may negatively impact the institution, members of the University neighborhood, or the other people in the Portland or University community."
Conduct that may result in discipline, including suspension or dismissal, includes (but is not limited to):
Failure to uphold community standards (ie. Respect for property/authority)
Violation of federal, state of local laws.
Failure to comply with University requirements
Possession and/or use of firearms, fireworks or explosives. All these are considered weapons
Disorderly conduct
