Fights break out after Wilberforce upset victory

Officers call for help to respond to multiple parking lot altercations.

Law enforcement from across Greene County responded Thursday night to a call for help from a police officer who was dealing with multiple fights occuring after fans exited the men’s basketball rivalry game between Wilberforce University and Central State University, according to county emergency communications records.

The incident happened following the Wilberforce Bulldogs’ upset victory over the CSU Mauraders, 83-70.

No Wilberforce University officials responded to requests for comment on this story. CSU Public Relations Director Edwina Blackwell-Clark declined to comment.

A heated rivalry exists between the two schools, which are separated by only a few hundred yards and U.S. 42.

The Dayton Daily News obtained the record of police communications regarding the incident from the Greene County emergency dispatch center. The record of communications between officers and dispatchers indicates campus police were overwhelmed by a violent, chaotic scene outside WU’s multi-plex after the game ended as fans exited to the parking lot.

“99 out front!” was the officer’s call heard by dispatchers shortly after the 8 p.m. game ended and before 10:32 p.m. when the signal 99 was canceled, according to the emergency dispatch records.

A signal 99 is code for an officer being in danger and in need of assistance and every available unit across the county is obligated to respond.

“Tell them there’s people everywhere so don’t come in too hot,” one officer on scene advised the dispatch center to communicate to other responding officers.

“We have several fights breaking out at Wilberforce University,” one officer reported. Another followed, stating “We’ve got multiple fights in the parking lot.”

One dispatcher advised officers on scene that every law enforcement agency in the county, including Xenia, Cedarville and the Ohio State Highway Patrol Xenia Post, were sending at least two units to the scene.

“Do you need anymore units from adjacent counties?” the dispatcher asked. “Not yet,” was the response.

Medics responding were advised to stage nearby until the scene was safe for them to enter; at least one medic was called to assist a person who was having a seizure, according to the emergency dispatch records.

It’s not clear whether anyone was seriously injured or if there were any arrests.