Police arrested two Ohio University students who were photographed lighting a couch on fire during Palmerfest and charged them with aggravated rioting Thursday.
David S. Lowry, a freshman who lives in Pickering Hall, and Kelsey H. Hayhow, a sophomore who lives in Martzolff House, each were charged on one count of aggravated rioting. Both were photographed lighting a couch on fire during Palmerfest.
Both Lowry and Hayhow's photos appeared on the Ohio University Police Department website. Photos of seven people involved in fires started at Palmerfest are on the website, along with a place to leave anonymous tips. The photos show revelers lighting and standing near the fire.
The tips are forwarded to the Athens Police Department, which is handling the investigation of Palmerfest. The pictures were taken by undercover officers who were patrolling Palmerfest, according to Athens Police Chief Rick Mayer. As of Friday afternoon, Lowry and Hayhow were the only two of the seven who had been arrested.
Revelers successfully lit a couch on fire and attempted to start other fires at Palmerfest. The fire was started shortly after 11 p.m. and led officers to shut down the party and clear the street. Police arrested 82 people at Palmerfest for offenses including assault, arson, aggravated rioting and underage consumption of alcohol.
Lowry and Hayhow were arrested Thursday by APD patrol officer Charles Haegele. Lowry and Hayhow appeared before Athens County Municipal Court Judge William Grim Friday.
Both are due back in court 2 p.m. May 24. Aggravated rioting is a fourth degree felony. Lowry and Hayhow could spend a maximum 18 months in prison and pay a maximum $5,000 fine if convicted, according to the Ohio Revised Code.
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Marika Lee
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