WATERVILLE, Maine — Waterville police have charged a Colby College student after they say graduation celebrations turned violent over the weekend.
Jonathan Sdao was charged with two counts of assault and failure to submit to arrest.
Campus was quiet Tuesday, but officials said it was hectic early Sunday morning when senior celebrations got out of control.
Officials said firefighters were called to the senior dorms about 1 a.m. to put out a bonfire. With hundreds of students, and alcohol, present, police were called for backup.
“They were receiving beer bottles and cans thrown at them, and also fireworks were being thrown in their direction and overhead at the same time,” Waterville Fire Chief David LaFountain said.
“As a matter of fact, at one point, the fire personnel became concerned enough for their safety that they actually sprayed the kids down,” Waterville Police Chief Joe Massey said.
Police said an officer was struck with a bottle but was unharmed.
“Setting fires is one behavior I’d like to discourage, but when they start throwing bottles and cans at my firefighters, I feel they’ve stepped way over a line,” LaFountain said.
A few hours later police said another fire was reported in a dumpster, and the fire marshal’s office was called in.
Colby College officials said they will be investigating.
“We believe strongly in the need for everyone in our community to show respect for our first responders. Whenever necessary, we take appropriate disciplinary action,” officials said in a statement.
The fire marshal’s office said the case remains under investigation.