12 University of Delaware students arrested, many more sought in Sept. 9 riot

Twelve University of Delaware students have been arrested in connection with a wild party Sept. 9 that then wreaked havoc on the city's streets, Newark police said Monday, while nearly three dozen more are still being sought to face charges.

The arrests came as a result of tips police have received after releasing surveillance stills showing dozens committing crimes, according to police.

Multiple videos of the raucous rager two months ago were also uploaded to YouTube. It all began as a house party on the 400 block of South College Avenue, police said. When officers broke up the celebration around 11:30 p.m., the students spilled into the streets.

There, revelers allegedly blocked traffic, climbed onto cars, urinated in public and damaged street signs.

Officials said it took more than 75 officers to disperse the crowd.

In addition to the arrests announced Monday, at least four people were taken into custody in the weeks following the incident.

Police are still looking for the identities of 35 more suspects caught on camera during the event.
Investigators said Nicholas Graham, 18, of Bear, Del., was taken into custody in his dorm room Oct. 24 without incident. Eleven other students have turned themselves in since Oct. 23.

They have been identified as Michael Perry, 19, of Fayetteville, NY; Kevin Davis, 20, of Newark, Del.; Jose Tunas, 18, of Carmel, NY; Clare Murphy, 19, of North Smithfield, RI; Jeffrey Cook, 22, of Chappaqua, NY; Heather DeSavino, 22, of River Edge, NJ; Keith Green, 19, of Newark, Del.; Michael Williams, 19, of Hockessin, Del.; Aaron Yancey, 21, of Newark, Del.; Alexa Birtwistle, 18, of St. Davids, Pa.; and Jonah Green, 18, of Newark, Del.

All 12 students were charged with disorderly conduct and walking along a roadway where sidewalks are provided. DeSavino also faces one count of lewdness.

All of the students were released on their own recognizance pending future appearances in Newark Alderman Court.