More than 70 people were arrested in Amherst, Massachusetts early Sunday, after a pre-St. Patrick's Day college celebration turned violent.

Mobs of students flooded the streets and apartment complexes at the University of Masschusetts, in an annual party known as the "Blarney Blowout." Things quickly got out of hand as drunken partiers began to fling empty bottles and other hard objects at students and law enforcement. There was also destruction of public property.

City police and state troopers descended on the crowd of over 4,000 people, resorting to the use of teargas and pepper spray because of "assaultive behavior."

"The party had become dangerous and out of control," said a spokesman from the Amherst Police Department. "As officers began to disperse the crowd, they were again met with glass bottles, full beer cans, rocks and snowballs being thrown at them."

While there were no serious injuries, police reported that several people suffered minor injuries.

The disturbance was eventually quieted by police at 4:00 a.m. In addition to the arrests, several partiers were issued summonses. Charges included inciting to riot, failing to disperse, disorderly conduct, liquor law violations and assault and battery on officers.

UMass released a statement condemning the "outrageous behavior of those students who acted out without any regard for public safety and the community in which they live." School officials assured that the actions of the students responsible would be reviewed, and those involved could face possible suspension or expulsion from the university.

The university had attempted to prepare for the event by warning students of increased police presence and urging them to remain safe. Other universities have also dealt with their own problem regarding St. Patrick's Day celebrations. Penn State University managed to drastically decrease arrests and citations made on the annual drinking holiday, State Patty's Day, by paying licensed liquor establishments to close for the day and placing a fraternity ban on parties.