100 People Arrested After Spring Break Party Turns Violent

 More than 100 people were arrested and several deputies were injured during a spring break street party in Santa Barbara, Calif., that quickly dissolved into violence overnight.

Authorities from various law enforcement agencies were dispatched to control unruly crowds during Deltopia, a party in Isla Vista that drew about 15,000 people, according to a news release from the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office.

One officer suffered a head injury when he was hit in the head with a backpack that contained large bottles of alcohol around 9:30 p.m., officials said. As authorities arrested the suspect, a large crowd gathered and threw rocks, bricks and bottles at them, deputies said.

The situation quickly escalated into a major disturbance, with some party-goers ripping out stop signs, lighting small fires and damaging property. Chemical agents and foam projectiles were used to disperse the crowds in an hours-long effort to restore order.

Five other deputies were injured during the riot, with one being hit in the face with a brick, authorities said. About 26 people were taken to local hospitals in the incident.

Eighteen arrests were made in the disturbance.

Throughout the day more than 100 people were arrested and 44 people were taken to the hospital, officials said.

Personnel from Santa Barbara and Ventura County assisted in the crowd control. 

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