3 arrested in dormitory popcorn burning

NEW BRITAIN, Conn. (AP) -- Police at Central Connecticut State University say there wasn't much laughing when an early morning prank filled a dormitory with smoke.

Several students struggled to get out because their doors were tied shut.

Authorities arrested three people after Monday morning's events at Vance Hall, but no one was hurt. Police say the smoke came from popcorn that was intentionally burned in a microwave.

Charges including reckless endangerment and reckless burning were filed against 18-year-old Matthew Dortch of Wayne Valley, N.J., 18-year-old Patrick Robinson of Goshen, N.Y., and Christopher Scifo of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Dortch and Robinson are students at Central and have been suspended. Scifo is a former student who has transferred to a Florida school.

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