Calhoun fist fight erupts into gunfire

Four gunshots were fired at a crowd of males running away from the breezeway door that exits to the Calhoun Residence Hall patio area on Sunday morning at approximately 3:30 a.m.

The shooting occurred after the group of males assaulted a University of Cincinnati student who lives in the residence hall, according to Eugene Ferrara, director of Public Safety. No injuries were reported.

The shell casings that were recovered were of a .22-caliber firearm, according to the UC Police Department report.

The confrontation that led to the shooting began earlier that night, Ferrara said.

"We had a fight break out after a dance at TUC [Tangeman University Center]." Ferrara said. "Several people were involved."

The fight at TUC was quickly broken up by UC police officers that were stationed at the dance. The fight then moved to Calhoun Hall, where the shots were fired.

When UCPD officers reached Calhoun Hall, they immediately began to gather information.

"We knew immediately that the shooter had fled, witnesses said that those involved had fled," Ferrara said. "No one else is in danger, this was a targeted shooting. We had a good handle on exactly what had happened."

While on the scene, officers found someone who was involved in the original scuffle at TUC.

"He had a black eye, some contusions and abrasions, but refused medical attention," Ferrara said.

Officers who responded to the scene immediately began the investigation by stopping several groups around campus, he said.

No indications of motive have been identified.

"We've heard rumors, but no proof [of a possible intent]," Ferrara said.

While there is no proven motive, there are rumors the fight stemmed from a disagreement over a golden chain necklace.

In addition to the investigation, UCPD also temporarily posted an officer in Calhoun Hall's lobby, to ensure the safety of the students.

"We also released a warning to Calhoun residents after the shooting, since some of them possibly heard the shots," Ferrara said. "We sent out an e-mail to the UC student body regarding the shooting which was delayed for some reason. We are currently meeting to find out why there was a delay in the e-mail."

Ferrara declined to release the name of any parties involved, due to the ongoing investigation.