PULLMAN, Wash. (AP) — Police using tear gas and water hoses confronted rock-throwing party-goers early Sunday near the Washington State University campus. Three people were arrested and 23 police officers were injured.
The disturbance started when police went to investigate a car-pedestrian accident and encountered as many as 200 people at a rental house in the neighborhood.
Authorities were unsure what prompted the violence, in which beer cans and rocks were thrown at the officers.
“It was a spontaneous event at a party house,” city Police Chief Ted Weatherly said.
Pieces of furniture were set afire in the street. Damage included broken store windows and car windshields.
Most of the injured officers were treated for minor cuts and bruises and released, university spokeswoman Barbara Petura said. One officer suffered a broken ankle.
Four students were treated for minor injuries and released.
Weatherly said more arrests were possible after police reviewed photographs and videotapes of the disturbance.