Sarah Northrop

Eugene Police Department (Sarah Northrop/Emerald)

A large block party on 14th Avenue between Patterson Street and Hilyard Street on Saturday celebrating the upcoming St. Patrick’s Day holiday ended with nine arrests, according to the Eugene Police Department, which estimated that 1,000 to 1,500 college-age students attended.

EPD originally responded to the all-day event around 1:30 p.m. after the party began spilling into the roadway. University of Oregon police officers, EPD and its Crisis Negotiation Team and Drone Team attempted to manage crowds as “intoxication levels became more evident,” according to a press release. There were reports of public urination and disputes between partiers and residents. Police also received reports of intoxicated pedestrians in traffic and individuals attempting to open the doors of passing vehicles.

A medical response was also required for a man who fell and hit his head during the gathering.

After 5 p.m., the Crisis Negotiation Team began ordering attendees out of the roadway. During the dispersal orders, EPD arrested three individuals on charges including criminal trespass, disorderly conduct, interfering with police, open container, resisting arrest and providing false information to police.

EPD said one arrestee suffered a head injury while allegedly resisting arrest. The man was later examined by Eugene Springfield Fire before being transported to Lane County Jail.

EPD’s Mobile Response Team then arrested six occupants of a house in the 600 block of 14th Avenue that police alleged was the “greatest source of activity.” They were charged with prohibited noise and cited for unruly gathering.

The block party was part of an annual St. Patrick’s Day gathering in the neighborhood that draws thousands of college students.

University of Oregon spokesperson Angela Seydel said students charged with crimes may also face violations of the university’s student code of conduct. According to Seydel, an investigation will begin to determine “what will occur next.”

“The university is concerned about the impact that large parties have on neighborhoods and the community,” Seydel said.

This story has been update to reflect comment from the University of Oregon.