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Police investigate violent assault

An altercation on Rugby Road Thursday night escalated to violence when a member of the Delta Upsilon fraternity was stabbed and another member was physically assaulted in the Madison House parking lot.

"A member of our house did sustain some minor injuries, but was treated and released from the hospital," Delta Upsilon president Thomas Konvicka said.

Aaron Laushway, associate dean of students and director for fraternity and sorority life, said another member of the fraternity was also assaulted.

According to a University Police press release, University Police responded to an assault incident in the Madison House parking lot.

"A University student suffered a stab wound to his head and arm," the release stated.

University Police Lt. Melissa Fielding said the incident began outside the fraternity. The fracas later carried over and intensified in the Madison House parking lot.

According to the release, University police apprehended and questioned a suspect, but no charges relating to the incident have been filed yet.

"After consulting with the Charlottesville Commonwealth's Attorney, no charges have been made against the suspect at this time," the release stated. "Alcohol was a big factor in the incident preventing police from obtaining statements from witnesses."

Fielding added that the case is still open and being investigated further.

Laushway said he has spoken with both student-victims, adding that both are now recovering well.

"The situation is very disconcerting," Laushway said. "The safety of our students at social events is paramount."

Laushway also noted that alcohol is often a contributing factor in such events.

"I am going to have continuing conversations with both the Inter-Fraternity Council and Delta Upsilon," Laushway said.

Inter-Fraternity Council President Charlie Morgan said the Council will investigate how and why the attack occurred.

"We are going to review how exactly this happened and how we can improve Party Patrol and safety measures," Morgan said. "We are going to find out what could have been done to prevent this."

Morgan said the IFC governing board will meet to brainstorm ideas and noted that a Delta Upsilon representative will have the opportunity to explain the situation and aid in identifying any safety problems that might have arisen Thursday.

Morgan added, however, that he thinks "the system now is fine and that this is a one-time incident."

Konvicka said the Delta Upsilon fraternity is currently working with the police to aid in the investigation.

"We take this incident very seriously and are fully cooperating with the University Police Department," Konvicka said.

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