Five Kent State students are facing burglary and aggravated riot charges after an altercation escalated Dec. 1 at 126 University Dr., according to Kent police.

Among the five students involved, two are freshmen: technology major SeVaughn L. Knight and architectural studies major Austin S. Wilson. Two are sophomores: David D. Coleman, criminology and justice studies major, and Dontell E. Higgins, education studies program major. The fifth student, Kwan L. Bailey, junior criminology and justice studies major, is on the wrestling team.

Witnesses to the crime called Kent police upon seeing seven males “striking, kicking and rocking” a vehicle in the drive-thru at Burger King, Kent Police Capt. Paul Canfield said.

The group then went to a parking lot on University Drive, where they allegedly tore a temporary license plate off of a vehicle.

The seven males reportedly ended their spree by entering a house uninvited, damaging the door and stealing a variety of electronics, Canfield said.

According to the Ohio Revised Code, this spree of vandalism, in a group of five or more, technically fits into the category of “aggravated riot” and also violates the disorderly conduct law.

“If they are found guilty, they could face jail time and possible prison time,” Canfield said. “Both charges are considered felonies with burglary being the more serious one.”

There were three victims and two witnesses to the crimes, though no one was seriously injured.

Canfield said the Kent police are still seeking more information on the other two males involved in the group.

The scheduled preliminary hearing for the students is Friday.

Anyone with any information on these crimes or about the two unidentified suspects can call the Kent Police Department at 330-673-7732.

Contact Erika Kerr at [email protected].