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March 2004

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Huskiana

NU takes action after post–Super Bowl events

In the wake of post­Super Bowl mayhem on Symphony Road, Northeastern officials have vowed to punish vandals and rebuild relationships with neighborhood residents.

One young man died and three others were injured after an allegedly drunk driver drove his sport utility vehicle into a crowd of revelers. The celebrants were overturning cars, smashing windshields, stomping on car roofs, and lighting fires.

President Freeland, calling the events “shocking in their senselessness,” said student troublemakers would face either criminal prosecution or disciplinary action at Northeastern. Two dozen photographs of college-age men damaging cars were posted on the Public Safety website, and students were urged to help identify those pictured. In addition, a task force of students, staff, and faculty has been formed to improve community relations.

Twenty-one-year-old James Grabowski, of West Newbury, Massachusetts, was killed when the SUV driver smashed into a crowd at the corner of Symphony Road and St. Stephen Street just after midnight on Monday, February 2, then drove off. Boston police later arrested a Mattapan man, twenty-four-year-old Stanley Filoma, a short distance away. Filoma was charged with vehicular homicide while under the influence of alcohol and several other counts.

Police also arrested three NU students for malicious destruction of property.

Grabowski is the son of state police captain Daniel Grabowski, CJ’74, and the brother of a Northeastern freshman.

Northeastern middler Jason Stackiewicz was seriously injured by the SUV’s impact. A third student and a Boston police officer were treated at local hospitals and released.

University officials had taken steps to stave off post-game trouble. Warning letters were sent to students and parents, security was increased, and small alcohol-free parties with free pizza were organized.

But crowds spilled out into streets near Northeastern after the New England Patriots’ win. Disturbances were also reported in Kenmore Square and Allston.

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