Two Cal Poly students were taken into custody on Saturday after being found in possession of weapons and ammunition on campus. Charles Hojaboom and Brandon Pham were arrested on suspicion of violating California’s weapons laws, including possessing a concealed loaded pistol, a shotgun, and various other weapons and ammunition. The incident was reported to the campus community through a Clery Act notification, which requires educational institutions to disclose information about crimes on and around campus.
Campus spokesman Matt Lazier stated that Cal Poly officers patrolling the Poly Canyon Village area heard gunshots around 10:15 p.m. on Saturday. Several residents also called 911 to report the noises. Upon investigation, officers discovered Hojaboom and Pham carrying a shotgun and a concealed loaded pistol on Poly Canyon Road. Additionally, they found a campus sign with bullet holes. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in connection with the incident.
Following their arrest, Hojaboom and Pham were taken to San Luis Obispo County Jail. They have been booked on multiple felony and misdemeanor charges, including weapons and vandalism offenses. During a search of their on-campus residences, additional weapons were found and confiscated.
The specific housing community where the students lived, as well as their year and majors, were not disclosed by the police. The notice also mentioned that both students have been released from custody on bail, but they are prohibited from entering the campus. In case anyone spots them in or around the campus, they are asked to call 911 or the Cal Poly Police Department.
The university’s Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities, as well as the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office, have been notified of the incident. Cal Poly prioritizes the safety of its campus community, and firearms are generally not allowed on campus. As a precautionary measure, the university has temporarily removed both students from campus while the legal and disciplinary processes take place.
