WVU Police cite student for illegal use of fireworks

West Virginia University Police issued a Community Notice on Wednesday (Nov. 20) after a student was cited for illegal fireworks usage in the cooperative zone near the Downtown area of campus.

At around 9:30 a.m., University Police received a call about possible gunshots near the Mountainlair. Within a few minutes, officers quickly determined the sound to be from fireworks allegedly set off at 692 North High Street, the location of Phi Kappa Tau.

After an investigation, a citation was issued to a student for a violation of state code.

Officers previously responded to a similar fireworks call at the same location on Thursday, Oct. 17, and talked with students at that time about the existing law.

"During the previous call, our officers provided information about the importance of following proper protocols for the use of fireworks," Major Brian Hoxtersaid. "The sounds of fireworks are often easily mistaken for gunshots. Violations of the law can lead to unnecessary panic for the University and surrounding community."

The student who was cited could potentially face additional University disciplinary action.

Additional Resources:

• WVU Police Department - 911, 304-293-2677, 304-293-3136
• WVU CARE Team
• WVU Carruth Center - 304-293-4431
• WVU Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion - 304-293-5600
• WVU Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities - 304-293-8111
• WVU Faculty-Staff Assistance Program - 304-293-5590
• Rape and Domestic Violence Information Center - 304-292-5100
• WVU Office of Campus and Community Life - 304-293-5611
• WVU Student Health - 304-285-7200
• WVU Division of Student Life - 304-293-5811

Health, safety, preparedness and training resources are posted at safety.wvu.edu and police.wvu.edu.

Students and employees are encouraged to follow the WVU Safety and Wellness Facebook page as well as @WVUsafetyon X, and download the LiveSafe appand allow push notifications for the latest safety information.

A Community Notice is part of the WVU three-tiered emergency notification system used to enhance student and employee safety and provide useful information to the community.

-WVU-

sj/11/20/24

MEDIA CONTACT: Shauna Johnson
Director of News Communications
WVU Strategic Communications and Marketing
304-293-8302; [email protected]

Call 1-855-WVU-NEWS for the latest West Virginia University news and information from WVUToday.