Crackdown on ‘nuisance’ parties explored as UD students gear up for St. Paddy’s celebrations

DAYTON — City leaders are wanting to crack down on nuisance parties in Dayton.

As reported on News Center 7 at 6, the proposed ordinance would allow Dayton officers to charge anyone who doesn’t immediately return to their homes if they’ve been informed their gathering is a nuisance party.

Police said students simply gathering isn’t a nuisance party, but when cars are damaged or overturned, and bottles are thrown at officers, that would be considered a “nuisance.”

“At times there have been situations where our officers are in harm’s way as well as other community members,” Assistant Dayton Police Chief Eric Henderson said.

Henderson said if a party is classified as a nuisance and officers order everyone to leave, anyone not doing that could be arrested and charged with a minor misdemeanor.

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“I could see students not understanding that at first and I could see a lot more arrests,” Kate Ramsey, a student said.

“If kids are being arrested and they’re just standing there, that’s outrageous,” Connor Carroll said.

UD students said St. Patrick’s Day is a big event and they don’t want to see the actions of a few ruin it for everyone.

“It will be a different experience than other St. Paddy’s Days on campus, that’s for sure,” Ramsey said.

News Center 7 reached out to the university about the proposed change, they said:

“We maintain a solid partnership with the Dayton Police Department and the City of Dayton and are in favor of a measure that could enhance the safety of our students, campus community, and first responders.”

We want to get ahead of the curve, again we want to get this tool on the books as soon as possible to allow them to break up parties,” Henderson said.

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