Two students on probation after pulling gun on stranger

(UPI) -- Two students of Gonzaga University were placed on probation after one of them used a gun to chase out an intruder in their apartment on October 24.

The President of the University, Thayne McCulloh, wrote an e-mail to both students to let them know their status, which allows them to continue their studies at the Jesuit institution in Spokane, Washington, but will put a mark on their educational records.

The students, Erik Fagan and Daniel McIntosh, said they will appeal the decision even though they were spared the expected punishment of expulsion.

“We don’t feel like we should be punished just for defending ourselves,” said Fagan to The Spokesman-Review. “Anytime we go for a job interview and show them our transcripts that information will be on there.”

The University disciplinary board found them responsible for violating policy, which does not allow guns on campus or at university-owned apartments. President McCulloh said this incident will make Gonzaga University have a “thoughtful evaluation” on its gun laws.

On the night of the intrusion, a man knocked on their door asking for money. They gave him a blanket and a can of food, but he did not leave. At that time Fagan called to McIntosh, who came out with the gun and chased the man, who fled.