By Elizabeth Coss and John Ostapowicz
Editor’s Note: This story has been updated since its initial publication.
Original publication date: April 14
Senior Dwayne Cohill of the Youngstown State University men’s basketball team was arrested April 13 on charges of disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.
According to a supplemental police report, YSU police officers were dispatched to the University Edge Apartment Complex’s V62 Lot at 9:48 p.m. in response to a disturbance call.
Allegedly, 50 to 70 individuals were gathered at the lot. Officers began speaking with Cohill to question ownership of a vehicle.
While searching for the owner, Cohill allegedly approached one of the officers with an open alcohol container in hand, while on the phone with the alleged owner.
The officer advised Cohill to back away but when he failed to do so, another officer responded to calm Cohill down, who had begun using profanities toward the officers.
According to the report, Cohill allegedly continued to taunt the officers and interfere with the investigation. At that point, Cohill was informed he was under arrest for disorderly conduct.
Cohill allegedly began to twist his body and become uncooperative with officers, as the unknown individual encouraged Cohill to resist, and attempted to pull Cohill away from the officer, creating safety concerns.
The report stated, “[Officers] decided that the escalating tensions and emotions of the crowd was too great of a safety risk to officers present.”
Cohill was then transported to The Mahoning County Sheriff’s Office until he had a video arraignment the next morning.
Cohill was released on his own recognizance and entered a not guilty plea to both charges following a video arraignment at 1:30 p.m. on April 14 in Youngstown Municipal Court.
He is scheduled to be back in court for a preliminary hearing at 10:15 a.m. May 16.
YSU’s Athletic Department stated it’s aware of the situation and is cooperating with local authorities.
