More Charges Filed Related To UConn National Title Hooliganism

STORRS, CT — University of Connecticut police have made two additional arrests in connection with vandalism that occurred on the Storrs campus after the April 3 NCAA men's basketball championship game.

Both individuals arrested are UConn students, UConn officials said. The investigations continue, and additional arrests are expected, school officials said.

The total damage estimate has not yet been finalized because UConn is awaiting invoices on some repair and replacement materials and authorities continue to find damage at various locations around campus, officials said.

UConn spokeswoman Stephanie Reitz said that, due to federal student privacy laws, UConn cannot discuss whether specific individuals are facing potential discipline under the Student Code of Conduct.

"Generally speaking, though, students found to have violated the code can face sanctions up to and including expulsion," she said.

According to an arrest warrant, during the celebrations following UConn's national title win, Justin Tatsapaugh, 20, of New Hartford, repeatedly struck a marked UConn Police patrol vehicle with a metal pole, inflicting more than $2,500 in damage. Tatsapaugh is also accused of throwing several metal chairs against the glass windows of the Student Union dining area, according to a warrant.

Crowds of bystanders were gathered around Tatsapaugh at the time and "were placed at risk by his actions," according to a warrant.

His behavior was captured on surveillance video as well as in numerous social media posts, according to a warrant.

Tatsapaugh has been charged with first-degree criminal mischief, reckless endangerment and second-degree breach of peace. Tatsapaugh was arrested at his residence without incident and is due in Rockville Superior Court on April 27, police said.

The charges against Tatsapaugh are in addition to a first-degree rioting charge and other charges he faces after being arrested that evening by UConn Police.

According to a warrant, during celebrations, Jose Gabriel Oliveras Suarez, 19, of Hartford, helped overturn a UConn-owned van outside the Benton Museum of Art. A large crowd was gathered around the van at the time it was flipped, according to a warrant. Damage to the van is estimated at $20,020.15, according to a warrant.

Oliveras Suarez's participation was "clearly shown" in numerous videos posted to social media.

Oliveras Suarez has been charged with first-degree rioting, first-degree criminal mischief, second-degree reckless endangerment and second-degree breach of peace. Oliveras Suarez has a court appearance scheduled for April 25.