LSUPD issued an astronomy professor a misdemeanor summons Saturday after he allegedly punched a student after a traffic mishap.
LSUPD Capt. Ricky Adams said the victim alleged he was driving down Tower Drive and was approached by Mark Slovak, 51, of 9418 Woodbine St., Baton Rouge, after turning into the Union pay lot.
The student alleged Slovak banged on the window, and then he rolled down the window, and Slovak allegedly hit him twice in the face. A passenger riding with the victim confirmed the story, Adams said.
The victim gave police the individual’s license plate number, and police contacted Slovak.
Adams said Slovak voluntarily came to LSUPD and alleged there was a traffic mishap. He admitted to following the victim into the pay lot and swiping at the victim’s face to knock off his sunglasses, Adams said.
Officers issued Slovak a misdemeanor summons for simple battery, and he was released.
Slovak referred all questions to his lawyer who was unable to comment before press time.
Gene Sands, University spokesman, said the provost requested the University investigate the incident, and she will report her findings to the chancellor.
In an e-mail sent to his students, Slovak said the University administration asked he limit his campus activities to classes, in which they will be posting class monitors. He also is canceling or postponing non-classroom events, such as Astronomy Day activities May 10, Highland Road Park observing on Friday evenings, all final exam review sessions, campus office hours, faculty friends meeting and physics MCAT review sessions.
He also said he will not see students in his office for any reason nor may students call or leave messages. Any e-mails sent to him will be saved and potentially reviewed by his lawyer.