Contact Us

Advertising

Comics

Crossword

The Arizona Daily Wildcat Online

Catcalls

Policebeat

Search

Archives

News Sports Opinions Arts Classifieds

Thursday April 12, 2001

Basketball site
Tucson Riots
Spring Fling

 

PoliceBeat
Catcalls
Restaurant and Bar Guide
Daily Wildcat Alumni Site

 

Student KAMP Radio and TV 3

Arizona Student Media Website

TPD searching for officer who wounded UA student

By Kevin Clerici

Arizona Daily Wildcat

Injured freshman has not filed complaint with Tucson Police

Police are trying to identify an officer who fired a "bean bag" projectile that hit a University of Arizona student in the face during an April 2 riot - an injury that cost him an eye.

Freshman Jeff Knepper, 19, was injured when Tucson Police tried to disperse rioters who were burning cars and breaking windows on North Fourth Avenue following the Wildcats' loss in the 2001 National Championship game.

Sgt. Judy Altieri, a department spokeswoman, said yesterday that police began investigating once they learned of Knepper's injury.

Contrary to recent media reports, Knepper has not filed a complaint with the police department, Altieri said.

"They were misinformed," she said. "If he filed a complaint or not, the police department will continue to investigate."

Knepper spoke with officers last week, Altieri said.

"We tracked him to his residence," she said. "He was fully cooperative and gave his statement."

Knepper has not tried to contact officers since then, she said.

Assistant Police Chief Roberto Villase–or said he didn't know how Knepper got shot in the head. Knepper stated that he was walking away from police when he was hit.

"We would not try and fire at locations of the body where it could cause severe injury," Villase–or said last week.

Knepper had his left eye surgically removed during a two-day stay at University Medical Center last week. He is - however - still enrolled in school.

Knepper has repeatedly declined to be interviewed. Rob Scherillo, a management information systems junior and president of Delta Tau Delta, Knepper's fraternity, has been speaking with the media on his behalf.

Scherillo said Knepper, who grew up in a Denver suburb, is in high spirits and is spending time with his family.

"I know he's not speaking to anyone about the incident," Scherillo said. "It's the last thing he wants to focus on. I'm sure this has become a bother."

The officers fired bean bags - 1-inch diameter cloth bags filled with lead birdshot - and rubber bullets to break up the crowds. The bean bags are fired from a 12-gauge shotgun.

At least two people received head injuries from what police referred to as "non-lethal weapons" during the riot.

Police officer Alison Scott, 40, suffered minor injuries after being struck in the ear by "friendly fire."

Villase–or said he did not have details on how she was shot either.

He also added that officers are trained to fire the bean bags below the waist. Scott said an officer who violates training in the use of non-lethal weapons could face punishment.

Villase–or said Knepper suffered a terrible loss, but he noted that the university freshman shouldn't have been on the street when police began to clear the crowd.

''Anyone with common sense would have said that this is the time to leave,'' Villase–or said. ''It's not a spectator sport. You don't have the right to just watch a riot.''

Seventeen people were arrested during the riot for a range of charges, including assault and disorderly conduct. Seven of them were students.

Knepper was not one of them.


Stories

 


Regents agree on tution increase

2 fraternities join to remember brother's death

Another Wildcat leaving: Gardner to test pro waters

TPD searching for officer who wounded UA student

UA to sell Chris City land

UA researchers develop new foldable monitors

Hazing prevention bill passes Senate

Police Beat

Catcalls

World News

U.S. servicemen gave DNA samples to police investigating sex attack

Liquor industry supports tighter drunken driving standard

EC proposes delayed entrance for free movement of workers from East

American, Jordanian first ladies promote child development

Study: Marijuana-like substances in brain trigger appetite

Lawsuit over Arizona online primary vote settled

Anaheim schools consider respect proposal for the classroom

Spring storm unleashes blizzard conditions, high winds in West