SU student arrested after firing gun on Euclid Avenue, DPS says

The gun recovered by police was a loaded Smith and Wesson 9mm handgun. Provided by Syracuse police
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Syracuse, N.Y. – A Syracuse University student was arrested after firing a handgun on Euclid Avenue early Saturday morning, DPS says.

At 1:40 a.m., police were called to 511 Euclid Ave. near Sumner Avenue for reports of gunshots, according to a news release from Syracuse police.

Police saw Stephon Johnson, 21, of Syracuse, throw a handgun into the backyard of a home on the 500 block of Euclid Avenue, according to a news release from the Syracuse University Department of Public Safety.

Officers heard gunshots as they arrived in the area, police said.

Johnson threw the gun over an officer’s head as they approached the home, police said.

The student was taken into custody and the discarded gun was found by police, DPS said.

Police found that Johnson had a gun holster that matched the discarded weapon. The gun was a loaded Smith and Wesson 9mm handgun, police said.

No one was injured during the incident.

The student was charged with criminal possession of a weapon and criminal possession of a firearm, both felonies, DPS said.

He is being held at the Onondaga County Justice Center.

Johnson has also been placed on an interim suspension by the university, DPS said.

He may face more serious sanctions from the university following the outcome of the investigation and disciplinary hearing.

Police ask that anyone with information about the incident call (315) 442-5222. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to DPS using the Silent Witness Tool.

Staff writer Anne Hayes covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, a story idea, a question or a comment? You can reach her at ahayes@syracuse.com.

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