Alcohol and weed may have just gotten a new best friend in the college student’s risque recreational arsenal.

Lysergic acid diethylamide, better known as LSD, has surged in use at U of L. According to David James of the U of L Police Department, they have responded to more than five LSD cases on campus since August.

While this number is small, it alarms officials because James said police have had “little to any” experience with LSD in the past two years.

The most recent incident occurred last week in Bettie Johnson Hall. A student was assaulted when Jarrod Rippy, a fellow U of L student, allegedly wandered into the victim’s room at around 2:30 a.m. Jan. 7 and proceeded to punch her in the face. Police said Rippy was also responsible for damaging property in the victim’s room and hall, including a television set and the building’s fire alarm system.

Although the event occurred on campus, a Rave alert was not sent out, as Rippy was detained quickly by police.

Police report Rippy was visiting friends at Bettie Johnson when he began wandering the hall and checking doors. Rippy, according to  director Shannon Staten, cited this as an isolated incident, and that he could not make clear decisions at the time due to being under the influence of LSD.

Staten added that while students under the influence of substances, like alcohol, in halls has been a issue before, LSD has not been a major problem.

Staten said U of L Housing will be investigating the circumstances that led up to the incident, and what actions should be taken. As Rippy is a student, but not one that lives in Bettie Johnson, Staten deeply emphasized the importance of being responsible for guests inside the dorm halls.

Both James and Staten further implored students to remember to lock their doors, even  in dormitories.

Rippy is charged with burglary, criminal mischief and assault. He will be facing the student disciplinary process, and his status as a student will be under review by the dean of students. His district court date is Jan. 20.