Blake Hanson / KCOU News / Mar. 3, 2010
MUPD has arrested two men in connection to the Black Culture Center cotton ball incident.
In a press release, MUPD Captain Brian Weimer confirmed that police arrested the suspects around 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.
Sean Fitzgerald, 19, and Zachary Tucker, 21, were put in custody for second degree tampering. Both are students at MU and have been suspended.
In an email to students Wednesday, MU Chancellor Brady Deaton wrote, “I have determined it is in the best interest of the university community to temporarily suspend those students.”
Deaton also commended MUPD for their swift response.
The two are suspected of placing cotton balls on the lawn of the Gaines/Oldham Black Culture Center on February 26th.
An anonymous tip led to the arrest. No further details were released at this time.
Weimer said that hate crimes can provide enhanced penalties.
KCOU News will continue to follow this story as it develops with a full report on The Pulse Wednesday night at 5:30.
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