University Police Department officers detained the student who approached three others with a knife in Lafayette Hall early Saturday, but later released the suspect when witnesses declined to press criminal charges.
The student waved a two-inch blade pocket knife during an argument with the other residents at about 3:11 a.m., according to a Safety and Security Alert. UPD Chief Kevin Hay said officers found the suspect after three students called to report the incident, and Metropolitan Police Department officers also arrived on scene.
Because none of the witnesses chose to “cooperate with the investigation to press criminal charges,” officers released the student but seized the knife.
Hay declined to say whether the student is still living in Lafayette or will remain in University housing, adding that the case was referred to the Office of the Dean of Students.
GW’s Code of Student Conduct lists a one-semester suspension as the sanction for use of “objects that could be construed as weapons,” including knives. It also says possession of such items could result in disciplinary probation from residence halls or eviction.