UB Police Arrest Former Student in Assault in South Campus Dormitory

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- A 22-year-old former university student was arrested by University at Buffalo Police Tuesday afternoon and charged with three crimes -- including third-degree assault -- for the alleged unprovoked attack on a UB student in the lobby of Goodyear Residence Hall early Sunday morning.

The former student, Michael E. Hicks of Rochester, faces three charges -- assault, second-degree harassment and trespassing -- in the 4:55 a.m. April 3 attack on UB student Michael Kociuba, according to university police. Kociuba was treated for minor injuries at Erie County Medical Center after he was attacked and released later that day.

"While crime on campus remains low, the word is starting to get out," says University Police Chief Gerald W. Schoenle Jr. "Individuals committing crime on our campus will likely be captured on security cameras and will be arrested."

UB has installed hundreds of security cameras on the South Campus, along with new lighting and emergency blue light phones. UB currently has a similar project to improve lighting, and add more security cameras and emergency blue light phones on the North Campus.

The quick arrest of the suspect came after campus police received several calls in response to its Timely Warning and Facebook notices posted soon after the attack occurred. UB Police Investigator Wayne Colton arrested and charged the suspect after he turned himself in at UB Police headquarters.

Schoenle thanked the university community for the information they provided that led to Hicks' arrest. Several students called UB police to identify the suspect, according to Schoenle, which eventually led to him surrendering at UB police headquarters on the North Campus.

Hicks will be released after booking and given an appearance ticket to report to Buffalo City Court May 3. UB police also issued a ban letter, which bars Hicks from UB property until the charges are resolved.