Cal U freshman accused of fighting 2 campus police officers

CALIFORNIA, Pa. — A California University campus police officer was hospitalized after a fight broke out at a school dance.

According to police, Alexander Ross, 18, is accused of assaulting two police officers in front of the student union Saturday night.

Investigators said they believe the fight was fueled by alcohol, and when officers arrived Ross tried fighting them.

“His friends decided to escort him out and apparently he was inebriated,” Cal U Police Chief Bob Downey said. “The individual then took three swings at an officer and hit him in the left side of the jaw.”

Downey said Ross charged at the officers out of nowhere.

“He was very combative and wouldn’t comply the officers’ commands. He was still fighting them so an officer deployed a Taser,” Downey said.

Ross was charged with multiple counts of assault, harassment, disorderly conduct and public drunkenness.

“When you get into a scuffle there is that potential,” Downey said about one officer who was sent to the hospital.

Downey said both officers are back on the job, and they’re waiting to hear if Ross will be kicked out of college.

Campus officials said the incident was a minor issue at an otherwise successful event. Ross will face disciplinary action in a separate investigation from his criminal one.

WPXI