2 Cal Poly Students Arrested for Firing Guns on Campus
Cal Poly officers patrolling near an on-campus apartment complex heard gunshots and found the students in possession of a shotgun and pistol.
Photo: James - stock.adobe.com
SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. — Two California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) students were arrested after police say they were found in possession of two guns, other weapons, and ammunition on campus.
Charles Hojaboom and Brandon Pham were arrested on Nov. 11 on suspicion of violations of California weapons laws after Cal Poly police officers heard gunshots while on patrol near an on-campus student housing complex around 10:15 p.m., The Tribune reports. Police also received several 911 calls from residents reporting gunshots.
University spokesperson Matt Lazier said the officers found Hojaboom and Pham along Poly Canyon Road in possession of a shotgun and a concealed pistol. The officers also found a campus sign riddled with bullets. During a search of the students’ on-campus residences, police located and confiscated additional weapons and ammunition. Authorities have not indicated which housing complex the students lived in.
Hojaboom and Pham were arrested and taken to San Luis Obispo County Jail where they were booked on several felony and misdemeanor charges, including weapons and vandalism charges. Campus officials said no injuries were reported and that “all indications are that the students were firing at targets and not people.”
According to a CPPD activity log, the violations include shooting into an occupied dwelling, possession of a loaded firearm on campus, possession of a weapon on campus, vandalism of $400 or more, carrying a concealed weapon, possession of a less lethal weapon or stun gun on campus, carrying a loaded firearm in public, and willful discharge of a firearm in a grossly negligent manner. Lazier said the matter has been referred to the university’s Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities and to the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office.
The school sent out a Clery Act notification to the campus community “out of an abundance of caution” after the students were released from jail on Nov. 16. The notice said Hojaboom and Pham have been barred from campus and that students should call 911 or CPPD if they see them on campus.
“Please know the university is taking the matter seriously, understands the concerns of the campus community and is taking all appropriate actions to maintain the safety of our university,” the notice concluded.
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About the Author
Amy Rock, Executive Editor
Amy is Campus Safety’s Executive Editor. Prior to joining the editorial team in 2017, she worked in both events and digital marketing.
Amy has many close relatives and friends who are teachers, motivating her to learn and share as much as she can about campus security. She has a minor in education and has worked with children in several capacities, further deepening her passion for keeping students safe.
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