A fraternity party near Rockhurst University caused a standoff between students and police early Friday morning.
Police were called to the scene about 3:30 a.m. after neighbors thought they heard gunshots coming from an out of control party at a fraternity house in the area of 51st Street and Lydia Avenue.
Campus police responded to the scene first and called in Kansas City police for backup. When officers arrived some of the students in the house threw firecrackers at them.
Two people walked out of the house and were detained. Ten others refused to leave the house.
Susan Kurtenbach says she’s lived in the neighborhood her entire life but has never seen students take it this far.
“I hear from different neighbors that different groups of students are more of a problem with their partying and their disrespecting property and that type of thing,” Kurtenbach said.
Police gathered near Lydia Avenue and blocked off multiple blocks. Officers tried for over two hours to get in touch with those inside the house.
“I find that really kind of beyond irritating because that to me is provoking,” Kurtenbach said.
The standoff ended about 5:35 a.m. after the 10 people inside were detained.
Police say the gunshots that neighbors thought they heard were fireworks.
“I’ve always found this to be a wonderful neighborhood but I do often hear shots that are real shots,” Kurtenbach said.
All 12 of the detained students were turned over to campus police.
Kansas City police say they will not press any charges.
Rockhurst University released a statement about the incident. It reads,
“The University has begun an investigation of the incident pursuant to the University’s student code of conduct. Under University policy, violations of the student code of conduct can result in a range of sanctions including suspension and separation from the University. Disruptive and illegal behavior is not consistent with Rockhurst University’s mission and values and detracts from the many positive contributions our students make to the community and our continued efforts to be a good neighbor and community partner.”
