A UC Davis campus police officer “unintentionally” fired a firearm early Friday while detaining an individual belonging to multiple groups — including at least one UC Davis student — suspected of vandalizing university buildings and monumental sculptures , officials said.
Officers were called around 1:40 a.m. to reports that three people were spray-painting the university’s famous Egghead sculptures near the Art Building, according to a news release. Bill Kisliuk, a university spokesman, declined to describe the graffiti in hopes of discouraging copycat tagging.
A foot chase began and a police officer “inadvertently” fired his weapon while attempting to apprehend a person, the news release said. No one was injured.
“Officers believe multiple groups of people were simultaneously vandalizing campus facilities,” the release said. “While the university respects our community’s right to free speech, vandalism is not protected speech.”
A 30-year-old man, a 31-year-old woman and a 20-year-old woman were arrested by police, Kisliuk said.
The 20-year-old student’s actions will also be reviewed to see if her actions comply with university policies on student conduct and discipline.
The officer who fired the firearm will be placed on administrative leave, Kisliuk said. UC Davis Police Chief Joe Farrow referred the incident to the UC Davis Police Accountability Board, an independent board made up of students, staff and faculty, for review.
The 30-year-old Eggheads sculptures are a beloved art installation on campus. Students pose with the bald heads for graduation photos or rub them for success in exams.
