Star Wars Geek goes crazy... college goes on lockdown

[133794m3r]

I knew that this would happen sometime...

Seth A. Newman faces a felony and two misdemeanor charges related to a gun scare Tuesday.

A 19-year-old Henrico County dishwasher who once confessed on his MySpace page to being a "major Star Wars geek" has told police he was the person in costume with a pellet gun who prompted a four-hour lockdown Tuesday at the University of Richmond.

Seth A. Newman "was arrested [at his home] and subsequently confessed," a police search warrant made public yesterday states.

Newman was released on $10,000 bond yesterday morning and left Richmond's Public Safety Building with his father.

C. David Whaley, Newman's lawyer, declined comment about the incident or about Newman's background.

"I can just say that Seth's family and friends are very concerned about the situation and are taking all of this very seriously," Whaley said.

A search warrant spells out a potentially explosive scenario in which a man allegedly entered the university library with a request to investigate ongoing sexual activity.

Witnesses reported to police that the man had a gun and was turned away when he failed to produce identification.

A library employee "told police that [a male in a fake beard and sheriff's jacket] stated to her that he was a police officer and that he had heard that people were fornicating in the library and that he needed to spend the night."

Newman, the oldest of six children, lives at home in the 1700 block of Chadwick Drive near Henrico Doctors' Hospital (Forest).

A police search of the house Wednesday produced what was described in the search warrant affidavit as Newman's ID, insulin syringes, cameras, film, a plastic bag for a holster and "make-up removing" towelettes.

Newman's family has declined comment.

Police locked down the university after confirming that witnesses had seen the intruder with a gun, which later proved to be a pellet gun. Police have said the pellet gun has been recovered.

A spokeswoman for Little Sisters of the Poor, at 1503 Michaels Road, said that the home operated by the order on Michaels Road has cooperated with police. Police searched a locker used by Newman, who had been a dishwasher at the home for three years and after his arrest was placed on administrative leave.

Newman is facing a felony and two misdemeanor charges associated with concealing his identity and impersonating a police officer. He is scheduled for another hearing in July and could receive as much as 15 years in prison if convicted.

On various Web sites, Newman has revealed himself as a young man with eclectic interests, from fantasy playing to listing his heroes as actor Harrison Ford and Jesus.

"I love karate. It's a great way to let out my frustration," he writes in one entry.

But in more ominous entries, Newman has spoken of problems.

"I've struggled through so much and each and every time God has helped me through it," he wrote when he was 17. In a query to an online legal service last summer, a person named Seth Newman asked, "Are there any laws in Virginia regarding carrying around a sword?

"If I were to walk around in the streets with it would I have to keep it in its scabbard?"

Newman has said on Web sites that he was a student at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College.
Source for post... so it's still true.

[soccerfreak24]

Hmm, that guy sounds kinda messed up. "Are there any laws about carrying around a sword?" lol...

[133794m3r]

Originally Posted by soccerfreak24

Hmm, that guy sounds kinda messed up. "Are there any laws about carrying around a sword?" lol...

as long as it's not made of metal... no.

[MasterSprtn117]

That's pretty weird...a sheriff suit and all.

[Dougiebaby]

Holy Frit!!! I graduated from the University of Richmond. The school is no where near the city, but located in the most affluent suburb of Richmond and is completely isolated. This guy would have had to drive out to the campus, scope it out (even to know where the library is located), etc. -- obviously, all premediated activity.

And I can only imagine the reaction from the students -- they are all preppy rich kids (locals call U of R -- University of RichKids and Camp Richmond).

[mr.handsomeman]

holy crap, this guy was one dedicated fan man. I'm glad it wasn't near me though, I would've kicked his hiney.

[133794m3r]

Originally Posted by Dougiebaby

Holy Frit!!! I graduated from the University of Richmond. The school is no where near the city, but located in the most affluent suburb of Richmond and is completely isolated. This guy would have had to drive out to the campus, scope it out (even to know where the library is located), etc. -- obviously, all premediated activity.

And I can only imagine the reaction from the students -- they are all preppy rich kids (locals call U of R -- University of RichKids and Camp Richmond).

wait you're that close? Wow that's odd... wow I thank you for allowing me more insight to this thing... gewd jorb

Originally Posted by mr.handsomeman

holy crap, this guy was one dedicated fan man. I'm glad it wasn't near me though, I would've kicked his hiney.

yeah... but he'd shot you a couple of times which would've hurt...

[AnthraX]

some people cant control what they do like people with adhd. i had a friend that hit me with a gamecube consol. that thing has some sharp edges. some advice... if you cant take losing to ssb melee than dont play!

[Spicy Meatball]

well at least he wasnt wearing a storm trooper suit