By Sherry Whittemore
News Editor
A USM police officer was attacked by a disorderly student in Hastings Hall on Valentine’s Day.
At 2:45 a.m. Nathan Stevens, 19, of 455 Hastings Hall was arrested for assaulting a police officer, disorderly conduct, criminal mischief and refusing to submit to arrest.
Officer Benjamin Moreland responded to a loud noise complaint and attempted to arrest Stevens for disorderly conduct. He was allegedly attacked by Stevens while trying to arrest him, USM police Detective Sgt. Ronald Saindon said.
Officer Moreland was treated at Maine Medical Center for minor injuries and was later released.
The USM Police Department wouldn’t comment on whether or not Stevens was drinking or the specifics of his disorderly behavior because the case is still under investigation.
“Assault on an officer is a pretty serious charge. In Maine it’s a felony,” Saindon said.
Stevens was taken to Cumberland County Jail and given a strict bail condition. He is not allowed to return to USM. Stevens is scheduled to appear in Portland District Court on April 12. The incident will also be reviewed by the University to determine if any sanctions will be imposed.
Upton-Hastings resident Darah Spencer witnessed the event.
“I think this was an isolated incident. I feel extremely safe on this campus, all the same. This was an incident when things just happen when people are intoxicated. It was just one of those bad things. It’s not like every night this happens. I’ve never seen anything like this before in the two years I’ve been on campus,” said Spencer.
Although this incident follows other recent residence hall disturbances, USM officials and residential life staff are confident and comfortable with dorm security and safety procedures.
“Upton-Hastings is a pretty safe place to live, and I wouldn’t want to give any other impression,” Kevin Rubenstein, resident director (RD) of Upton Hastings said. “As an RD in this building I feel very safe and I don’t think that any of the residents should feel unsafe. We have a lot of security measures already in place.”
Upton-Hastings is patrolled by both resident assistants (RAs) who live in the building and the USM police department. On Thursday through Saturday, two RAs do “rounds” together to ensure the building’s security. On Sunday through Wednesday the RAs do solo rounds. During rounds RAs make sure doors are locked and secured, and look for noise or alcohol violations. RAs also have office hours each night so residents can contact them if any issues arise.
“RAs walk through the buildings and are essentially eyes and ears,” Joe Austin, director of Residential Life said. “They look for problems and are aware of what is going on in the building. But they also talk with students. They’re a presence so people know they are around, even if it’s just saying hi to them.”
The police department has public safety assistants, who are students “that regularly do walk-throughs with RAs during the busier times,” said USM Police Chief, Lisa Beecher. Police officers will also patrol the dorms when needed. Such was the case with Officer Moreland.
Beecher stresses the importance of utilizing the police department in unsafe or uncomfortable situations.
“Anytime anyone is feeling unsafe they can call us and we will make arrangements and accommodations to help them out,” Beecher said.
Austin shares Beecher’s regard for safety, “I’ve always told RAs not to go into situations that they are uncomfortable or unclear about.”
Spencer commented on the aftermath of the Valentine’s Day incident as a resident living on campus.
“I really enjoy living in Upton-Hastings. It’s safe and I love the staff here. The people are great and I have no qualms about living here. But, I am more aware of things around me now. If I see someone I have never seen before I just really look,” Spencer said.
“We are doing everything we can to ensure the safety of students, faculty and staff at USM,” Beecher said.
As campus safety is emphasized it is also important to acknowledge the rarity of the Valentine attack, Austin said.
“This was clearly not a typical event. But it doesn’t mean that we don’t worry about something like this happening again. Absolutely we do,” Austin said.
News Editor Sherry Whittemore can be contacted at: [email protected]