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Colo. police use tear gas in second night of rioting

The Associated Press

FORT COLLINS, Colo. For the second time in as many days, police used tear gas to break up what they said was an unruly crowd of partiers throwing eggs, rocks and bottles.

The crowd of between 500 and 600 spilled onto the streets early Sunday morning west of the Colorado State University campus. Police said several people were treated for minor cuts and injuries and two were arrested for obstructing officers.

Police used tear gas to disperse a crowd of about 1,500 a block from the CSU campus early Saturday morning. Three people were arrested and several noise citations were issued.

Police spokeswoman Rita Davis said Sunday there may be more arrests.

It was unclear if those involved in the incidents were students. Classes at Colorado State were scheduled to begin Monday.

University officials said students started moving into the dorms late last week.

Police said a large crowd began gathering near campus early Sunday. Officers said they warned people several times to leave the area, then began using tear gas at about 1 a.m.

People were throwing bottles, eggs and rocks and damaging cars, police said. A bonfire was started in the street.

None of the 40 officers was injured. Officers issued 12 noise citations.

The area has been a frequent scene of clashes between police and partygoers in recent years. Two men were charged with rioting in May after officers broke up a crowd of about 500.

In 1997, disturbances on two successive Friday nights ended with five men facing felony charges. CSU officials disciplined 21 students, six of whom were kicked out of school.

Police Sgt. Dave Haywood said the department tries to assign one or two extra patrol cars around campus to handle parties before classes start. He said police try to break up gatherings before they get out of hand, but don’t always succeed.

“It’s not for lack of trying,” Haywood said.

Extra patrols will continue until late October.

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