Students Riot Over Drinking Laws

A student rampage that caused an estimated $100,000 in damage began as a demonstration against drinking laws after about 170 underage drinkers were cited at a frat house beer party.

About 1,000 University of Wisconsin students marched several blocks early Friday, some smashing windows, tearing down traffic lights and rocking parked cars, police said.

“We were pelted with everything from rocks to bottles,” Lt. David Rapp said. “They were throwing stuff out the dorms at us.”

Police in riot gear quelled the disturbance within an hour and made 18 arrests, Capt. Randy Van Ness said.

A few officers sustained minor injuries.

The fraternity, Sigma Pi, organized a cleanup of the damaged businesses Friday, chapter President Scott Sullivan said.

Of those arrested, two students were suspended and university officials were preparing to suspend a third. The 15 others were under review for possible disciplinary action.