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Charges filed after partygoers allegedly interfered with first responders

This story was updated at 1 p.m., March 20, to reflect the correct charges for three students. A previous version of this story said all three students were charged with underaged drinking.

State police in Butler arrested multiple young people at a large party at a Slippery Rock University apartment complex after they allegedly interfered with the work of first responders.

A news release from Troop D barracks in Butler said troopers responded to the University Village at Slippery Rock apartments at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, March 4, for a report of a male who was unconscious, possibly due to intoxication.

Troopers were advised of a “large gathering” at the apartment complex and that some attending the gathering were uncooperative with emergency medical personnel attempting to “provide life-saving care to an unconscious male,” according to the release.

Upon arrival, troopers observed a large gathering of college-aged people in the center courtyard at the University Village.

Austin T. Vahaly, 22, of Bethel Park, was being treated by EMS and was under the apparent influence of alcohol, police said.

While the news release did not specify his reaction to that treatment, he was charged with public intoxication and disorderly conduct.

Firefighters and EMS personnel at the scene told troopers they were concerned for their safety due to the disorderly conduct of those at the gathering, the release said.

SRU police, Slippery Rock borough police and state troopers advised those at the gathering to disperse.

Richard R. Hunter, 20, of Freeport, was also cited for disorderly conduct after he attempted to flee when state troopers asked for his identification, the release said.

The university was notified of students “who had police involvement” at the incident, as were other universities whose students were involved with police at the scene.

Charges were filed with District Judge Joseph Nash in Slippery Rock.

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