Friday September 28, 2001

Police handled two gun-related incidents the past two days on campus after two students and a beverage company employee were assaulted in separate occurrences, UAPD officials said.

University of Arizona Police Department reports stated that two students were walking on East Speedway Boulevard at 2 a.m. yesterday when they were approached, beaten and later threatened with a gun by the three suspects.

UAPD conducted a search following the incident and found a shotgun and a small ax.

UAPD Cmdr. Brian Seastone said the two students involved did recognize the suspects were.

"According to the victims, (the suspects) got out of the car and said they wanted to talk to them," he said.

Seastone said one of the victims was struck in the head while the other was punched in the nose.

The two attempted to find refuge at the Delta Chi fraternity house, 1701 E. First St., but the suspects followed them. A third student exited the house to aid in the defense of the two victims, which resulted in another confrontation.

Seastone said the suspects ended up leaving the fraternity screaming "fuck you, we're coming back with a gun."

A vehicle fitting the victims' description was pulled over at East Sixth Street and North Olson Avenue.

Inside the vehicle were suspects Dustin C. Thiem, 19, of the 8900 block of East Rainsage Street, Dominick Fenton, 19, of the 8600 block of East Speedway Boulevard and Robert L. Spicer, 21, of the 7600 block of East Tanque Verde Road.

The three were charged with violations including assault with a deadly weapon, minor in possession and threats and intimidation.

All three were booked into Pima County Jail.

The other gun-related incident occurred Wednesday morning when two suspects wearing ski masks reportedly used guns to assault a Pepsi delivery truck driver.

The victim was walking southeast across the grass at the south side of Yuma Residence Hall at approximately 6 a.m., when an unknown male shoved him against a tree and placed what the victim thought was a handgun in his back.

The victim then noticed a second unknown male sitting on the driver seat of his delivery truck trying to start it.

Reports stated the suspect screamed, "Let's get out of here." The suspects could not start the vehicle.

They told the victim "don't look back," and ran westbound toward North Park Avenue.

No items were stolen and there are no suspects at this time.