MU students gather in East Campus area, plan to stay off the roads as CPD’s DWI enforcement period continues
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
University of Missouri students packed the East Campus neighborhood Friday afternoon.
Police could be seen all around the neighborhood as tons of students enjoyed the weather and a day away from classes -- for the school's "Stop Day," or "Reading Day" -- before finals begin next week. One police officer was seen throwing a football around with students in one of the yards in the neighborhood. Students could be seen walking the area and sitting in lawn chairs outside.
The Columbia Police Department is enforcing DWI and underage drinking laws as college students celebrate the end of another school year.
CPD will have an increased presence in Downtown Columbia as the city celebrates multiple events.
The department will be looking for underage drinking violations, and people driving while intoxicated. CPD also took to Twitter around 5 p.m. claiming it was dispersing "any illegal gatherings."
""If you are hosting a party, blocking streets, or blocking driveways with vehicles, officers will take appropriate enforcement action as needed," the post read.
We are currently responding to the East Campus area to disperse any illegal gatherings.
— ColumbiaPD (@ColumbiaPD) May 5, 2023
If you are hosting a party, blocking streets or blocking driveways with vehicles, officers will take appropriate enforcement action as needed. pic.twitter.com/bFZCac6Smp
University of Missouri students Ellie Dapier and Sammie Hickey said they will be walking around Columbia this weekend as they celebrate the end of the school year, and they are asking others who have been drinking to do the same.
"Do not drink and drive, it is not fun at all," Dapier said. "Literally not worth it, you can hurt yourself, and other people, like it's literally not worth it.
"We are in a sorority, and we keep each other accountable for that stuff," Hickie said. "Usually like, one of our friends will volunteer to be the DD, and she'll usually drive us around all night."
Hickie and Dapier both said, "It is not worth it, just don't do it."
Etai Dean is an MU student as well, and he said he's glad CPD is out this weekend.
"I think it's great, I saw an ambulance come by because someone passed out, which it's unfortunate they passed out, but at the same time, it's good that CPD can come through and make those calls," Dean said.
Dean said he's glad they are present, "To keep everybody safe, that's the most important part."
CPD's enforcement period started Thursday and will run through Saturday.
