Police make arrests, manage chaotic crowd in downtown Mpls.

Several hundred young people headed into downtown Tuesday night with "chaos and disorder" on their mind, according to Minneapolis Police.

The teens arrived downtown on St. Patrick's Day on free bus and light-rail rides, ran in the streets, blocked traffic and got into fights, police said.

Forces of Metro Transit Police, Park Police and Minneapolis Police sought to restore calm. They made about six arrests, and pushed teens onto buses and trains out of downtown, police said. Two of the disorderly young people were treated for minor injuries.

One shooting was reported. A person received non-life threatening injuries, but it occurred in a different part of downtown from the rest of the melee, which centered around Nicollet Mall and Hennepin Avenue between 5th and 7th streets. The suspect is still at large.

"We want to take this opportunity to ask folks to make an effort to find their friends and make sure everybody has a safe and sober ride home," said 1st Precinct Commander Mike Kjos, speaking at a 10 p.m. news conference.

Police were also reviewing surveillance video of the incidents. By 10:15 p.m., most of the crowds had been dispersed.

LIZ SAWYER