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October 4, 2005

Student suspected of discharging gun turns himself in

A Sacramento State student accused of discharging a firearm in the residence halls yesterday has turned himself in without incident.

Patrick Smith, 18, surrendered to police this afternoon with the assistance of his attorney. He was arrested for negligent discharge of a firearm and possessing a firearm on campus.

The incident was reported just before noon on Friday, Sept. 30. Campus police responded within minutes and secured the area. They discovered a bullet lodged in the wall, and officers then searched for Smith and his vehicle.

The second floor of Sierra Hall, where the incident occurred, houses about 80 students. Many had already left for the weekend when the gunshot was reported.

The University's primary concern has been for the safety of students and employees. Police have been on heightened alert this weekend, with increased patrols in the area surrounding the residence halls. Photographs of Smith were distributed to law enforcement officers and residence hall staff. An alert bulletin was distributed across campus, to law enforcement and to the media on Friday afternoon.

Family members of residence hall students who have questions may contact Residential Life and Housing at (916) 278-6655. Over this weekend, calls can be directed to (916) 278-5352.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact the University Police Department at (916) 278-6851.

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