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OXFORD — Oxford police arrested 20 people and issued 47 citations on Green Beer Day — the annual binge drinking-themed tradition typically held the last Thursday before spring break in Oxford.
Charges levied Thursday, March 4, include two felonies against Miami University student Zachary Greenman, 18, for assault, a fourth-degree felony, and vandalism, a fifth-degree felony, said Oxford police Sgt. Jim Squance.
Squance said Greenman allegedly assaulted a paramedic while being transported to a hospital and urinated in the police holding cell. He also was charged with underage consumption and for having fake identification, Squance said.
Other citations issued in the city by 5 p.m. included: two for trespass, two for noise, three for underage drinking, nine for open container, 12 for littering, eight for public intoxication, one for fake identification and one for obstructing official businesses.
Miami University police also issued at least two charges for operating a vehicle impaired and underage consumption.
Squance said overall, the day’s activities were typical, coming in just above last year’s 20 arrests and 44 citations.
Crowds enjoyed 40-degree weather as Miami University students, alumni and people from outlying areas celebrated the day, which is not recognized by the university.
“Green Beer Day is the quintessential college experience. It’s an exciting tradition to have on campus every year,” Adam Simmons said.
“It’s so much fun and pretty much pure craziness. It’s the only time we’re happy to get up at 5 a.m.,” said Ashley Reno.
“I came up from Dayton for Green Day because it is always a good time, definitely worth the trip,” said Megan Iser, a senior at the University of Dayton.
“This is the first year that I have been able to celebrate Green Beer Day,” said Miami senior Hannah Poturalski. “I am excited to finally take part in the tradition.”
Citations this year were up from years past. Thirty-six were issued in 2008.
This year, police started the day with the arrest of a University of Cincinnati student.
Robert. C. McGohan Jr., a 22-year-old Loveland resident, crashed his vehicle into a Miami University police cruiser around 8 a.m. at the intersection of Spring Street and Patterson Avenue, police said.
McGohan was arrested for OVI and likely will be charged with an additional traffic violation, according to police.
McGohan refused to submit to a Breathalyzer test, police said.
Police also were looking for a white Saturn involved in a hit-and-run accident.
The driver had fled the scene of Campus Avenue and Spring Street after hitting a parked car, according to police.
Police also cited a man who was banging on the door of a doctor’s office saying his Crown Royal whisky was inside, according to police.
The last major incident on Green Beer Day occurred 2005, when a Miami student was critically injured after his car crashed into a 3-ton train. The student’s alcohol level was over the legal limit, according to police.
Meagan Engle contributed to this report.
Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2871 or at rgauthier@coxohio.com.
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