Recently, a college party at Youngstown University turned deadly when a group of college students got into an argument and turned a gun on a crowded party. Youngstown police said that one person was dead and 11 were seriously wounded after the rampage.

The party was at an off-campus house, but according to UNA Police Chief Bob Pastula, the UNA Police Department is seeing an increase in crimes at off-campus parties.

“Everyone at UNA is here to get an education, not to end up in jail,” Pastula said.

The American Medical Association said that last year, the leading cause of death in college students was alcohol-related issues.

“Just don’t get in those situations to begin with,” Pastula said.

Pastula said there are many ways to stay away from conflicts at parties like the party in Youngstown. Pastula said the best way to stay away from crimes like this is to stay away from off-campus house parties.

The US Department of Justice estimates that 1 in 5 women will be raped or assaulted while in college. Pastula said his department is combating this statistic by giving students escorted rides to their cars at night.

“Students should utilize SNAP patrol or have a friend take them home,” Pastula said.

Pastula defended the cliche of “no means no.” He encouraged women and men alike to understand and be educated on rape. He said students should not ruin their lives for one night of fun.

“Think about being labeled as a sex offender forever,” Pastula said.

According to the AMA, 11 million Americans under the age of 21 consume alcohol every year. Pastula said his department does not in any way encourage underage drinking.

“Do everything in moderation,” Pastula said. “A great way to stay out of trouble is to just stay away from drugs and alcohol.”

“I always go out with a group of friends,” UNA senior Katie Lanier said.

Lanier said that going with a group of friends feels way safer than showing up to a party alone.

“I make my own drink and keep it in my hand at all times,” Lanier said.

Lanier attributes her safety at parties to her ability to be aware of her surroundings, and knowing the majority of the people there.

“If I go out, I go to a smaller scale party,” she said.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration projects that alcohol-related traffic deaths could increase by 50 percent by 2020.

Lanier also said that her group of friends always has a designated driver for the evening. She said that this is very important to her because she wants to ensure the safety of herself and other drivers on the road.

“I never drink and drive,” she said.

Pastula suggests that students who want help, or need information regarding to their safety or wellbeing, contact his department, or visit UNA’s Health and Wellness Center.