Campus police respond to verbal altercation in Oppenheimer

A verbal altercation involving a group of students and a parent of two of the students occurred around noon today on the first floor of Oppenheimer Academic Center, Dr. Robert Vela, vice president of student affairs and interim vice president of academic affairs, confirmed late this afternoon.

Three campus police vehicles were parked southeast of the building at about 12:05 p.m. and police officers blocked entrances to everyone but students on their way to class.

An estimated 10 police officers, including Chief Don Adams, responded to the call as well as Manuel Flores, student conduct officer, and Vela.

Maricela Ramon, lab technician in the foreign languages lab, said she was told by campus police to clear the first floor of the building.

Participants were separated into three groups — two in classrooms and one in the conference room of the foreign languages and philosophy department — as officials attempted to sort out what had happened.

“It’s more of trying to piece the puzzles together,” Vela told The Ranger after the incident.

Vela said disciplinary action was taken, but he would not provide details because of the ongoing investigation. He would not say what the violation was or how many students face disciplinary action. He said a statement would be released Thursday.

“Any time there’s a code of conduct violation, we address it very swiftly,” he said. “We want to ensure there’s a safe environment for all students, and that all students are treated with respect and dignity. When that is not done, we will take immediate action.”

To report any suspicious activity on campus, call the 24-hour police dispatch at 210-485-0099.

For non-emergencies, call the police at 210-485-0099.

Riley Stephens and Carlos Ferrand contributed to the story.