8 arrested and charged with a crime after wild Rutgers melee

In the mind of many students, it must seem that student life is filled with hard work, frustrations and pent-up youthful energy demanding an outlet. In New Jersey, numerous Rutgers students were arrested recently andcharged with a crime due to a raucous celebration on Delafield Street that connotes the end of the school year. New Brunswick police arrested eight students and issued citations to another 16 for violations of city ordinances.

The bash is apparently intended as a response to the decision of the University to cancel an end-of-year concert called ‘Rutgersfest.’ In 2011, Rutgersfest was reportedly tainted with violent disturbances that resulted in the University canceling it for the future. More than 500 were at this event, which students have dubbed Delafest. They’re accused of setting mattresses and couches on fire in the street.

When police arrived, they refused to disperse and instead threw bottles and objects. After three hours, the melee was brought under control by the arrest of eight students between the ages of 19 and 21. The criminal charge ranged from aggravated assault and weapons offenses through disorderly conduct. There were also charges of obstruction, riot and failure to disperse.

There were no reports of injuries. It seems at least possible that police may at times bring on the escalation of unsavory behavior by their staunch demeanor and aggressive moves, which apparently the students in New Brunswick do not greatly fear. It may be that if police simply confined the activities within a discrete perimeter, the display of energy would subside soon enough.

In any event, if you’re confronted by authorities at a public or private function, the best procedure is to cooperate with the police and follow their instructions. If you are arrested and charged with a crime in New Jersey, whether appropriately or by mistake, you should volunteer no statements and concentrate first on getting released. Then it is highly advisable to confer with defense counsel to determine your rights and options. In some instances, charges like this may be difficult to prove and mistaken identities can run high, making it even more important for you to make no statements until you meet with counsel.

Source: nj.com, “Total of 8 Rutgers students arrested following ‘Delafest’ block party last month,” Sue Epstein, May 7, 2013