On Oct. 12, about 500 people broke out into a riot on Indian street near Western Washington University as a result of police attempting to shut down a party.

In the article, “Riot prompts police response: 3 non-WWU students charged in connection with Indian Street riot” by Jake Parrish in WWU’s campus newspaper, The Western Front, he states that objects were thrown at police officers including glass bottles, lawn chairs, beer cans and rocks.

As the riot escaladed, police brought in an armored tactical vehicle and tried to disperse the crowd using a loudspeaker.

Police then resorted to throwing flash bangs and smoke canisters as well as shooting pepper balls from paintball guns into the crowd. They also attempted to clear the rioters by shooting beanbags from shotguns.

An update from The Western Front’s site said that four people have been arrested so far. Three of those arrested are not associated with Western.

A freshman from Western was the fourth to be arrested, and according to the article, the student sent out multiple apology letters.

So, what happens if a riot breaks out at Eastern?

According to Amy Johnson, the dean of students, if students find themselves in a riot, they should immediately go to a safe place and call the police.

“If the police have already arrived and have issued a dispersal order, be sure to follow their instructions explicitly so as not to risk arrest and to ensure your safety,” Johnson said.

“Riots are very problematic when people go beyond the realm of lawful assembly,” said Gary Gasseling, deputy chief of campus police.