Police forced to rein in Dinkytown block party

By Minnesota Daily, Star Tribune

Last update: April 26, 2009 - 3:51 PM

Six people were arrested late Saturday after hundreds of young people became unruly in Dinkytown, near the University of Minnesota, setting fires and trying to tip over cars.

Minneapolis police used pepper spray and smoke grenades to disperse the students on 7th Street and between 14th and 13th Avenues SE. after a bonfire was lit in the street.

Mike Stahl, a student from nearby Augsburg College, said he was 15 feet from a smoke grenade that went off. "I couldn't breathe," Stahl said. "I understand why the cops are here, because I have never seen anything like this."

Mike Hillberg, who was visiting a friend at the University of Minnesota, said the celebration soured when people began throwing bottles into the street and started the fire.

Six people were arrested before the night was over. Some rioters tried to tip over vehicle, KARE 11-TV reported.

The party was part of this weekend's Spring Jam festivities.

Editor's note: Part of this report were written by Vadim Lavrusik for the Minnesota Daily and refashioned by a Star Tribune editor for Sunday's Star Tribune. Lavrusik, who is editor of the Daily, is also on class assignment for the Star Tribune.