By David Morris
By David Morris
One driver wailed on another during a disagreement over a parking spot on the morning of Sept 14.
The disturbance occured when one student attacked another on Lot L of the Riverside City Campus.
The victim, 20-years-old, had pulled up to another student as he walked to his car, and then asked to have his space, said RCC police.
A third driver witnessed the exchange and pulled around the 20-year-old student’s car as the parked vehicle was pulling out. The third driver then proceeded to drive into the space, said RCCPD.
The 20-year-old student stepped out of their car and confronted an 18-year old student. Words were exchanged, which then grew into a heated argument. The 18-year-old student then attacked the 20-year-old student, hitting him several times in the head.
During the attack, the 20-year-old student’s earring was ripped out. The 18 -year-old student did not show any injuries or bruises.
RCC Community Safety Officer was on scene to report the incident to RCC Police. The 20-year-old student made a citizens arrest and asked that the 18-year-old student be placed under arrest for battery. They were both taken to the RCCPD for questioning. The 20-year-old student has intentions of pressing charges.
The 20-year-old student was treated by a nurse from RCC Health Services.
According to Sgt. Jack Kohlmeier, police supervisor, these occurrences are very rare.
“I can’t even remember it getting this far before over a parking space,” Kohlmeier said. He said that they have more boyfriend and girlfriend altercations then parking conflicts.
Police arrests and citizens arrests are very similar in practice. A citizens arrest can be made if the reporting person knows that a crime has taken place, and they know who has done it. A police officer only needs probable cause and suspicion.
According to Kohlmeier, if a student or faculty is faced with a situation, the best action they could do is report it either to a CSO or the police. They do have the right to confront, but not to assault.
“The best thing to do is to just let it go; it’s not worth it,” Kohlmeier said.
Parking Supervisor Sgt. Richard Henry, has faith in the students at RCC. He says that the students here are very intelligent and that arguments will usually break out.
With the completion of the Parking Structure coming up, students, faculty and Parking Services are finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.
“This will be that last tough semester,” Kohlmeier said.