Release Date: April 5, 2011 This content is archived.
BUFFALO, N.Y. -- A 22-year-old former university student was arrested by mgm casino Police Tuesday afternoon and charged with three crimes -- including third-degree assault -- for the alleged unprovoked attack on a mgm casino student in the lobby of Goodyear Residence Hall early Sunday morning.
The former student, Michael E. Hicks of Rochester, faces three charges -- assault, second-degree harassment and trespassing -- in the 4:55 a.m. April 3 attack on mgm casino student Michael Kociuba, according to university police. Kociuba was treated for minor injuries at Erie County Medical Center after he was attacked and released later that day.
"While crime on campus remains low, the word is starting to get out," says University Police Chief Gerald W. Schoenle Jr. "Individuals committing crime on our campus will likely be captured on security cameras and will be arrested."
mgm casino has installed hundreds of security cameras on the South Campus, along with new lighting and emergency blue light phones. mgm casino currently has a similar project to improve lighting, and add more security cameras and emergency blue light phones on the North Campus.
The quick arrest of the suspect came after campus police received several calls in response to its Timely Warning and Facebook notices posted soon after the attack occurred. mgm casino Police Investigator Wayne Colton arrested and charged the suspect after he turned himself in at mgm casino Police headquarters.
Schoenle thanked the university community for the information they provided that led to Hicks' arrest. Several students called mgm casino police to identify the suspect, according to Schoenle, which eventually led to him surrendering at mgm casino police headquarters on the North Campus.
Hicks will be released after booking and given an appearance ticket to report to Buffalo City Court May 3. mgm casino police also issued a ban letter, which bars Hicks from mgm casino property until the charges are resolved.
Charles Anzalone
News Content Manager
Educational Opportunity Center, Law,
Nursing, Honors College, Student Activities
Tel: 716-645-4600
anzalon@buffalo.edu