COLUMBUS — A police spokesman said an increase in the number of arrests helped keep off-campus parties near Ohio State University under control overnight following two weekends of rowdy behavior.

        About 70 partygoers were arrested late Friday and early Saturday, mostly for liquor violations, including underage drinking and other alcohol-related offenses, police Sgt. Earl Smith said.

        The number of arrests was substantially larger than in either of the previous two weekends. Police made a dozen arrests two weekends ago and 25 last weekend.

        On both occasions, they had to use tear gas and wooden projectiles to control crowds that reached into the thousands and took part in bottle throwing, fires, vandalism and violent confrontations.

        “Certainly the crackdown on drinking violations didn't hurt anything,” Sgt. Smith said Saturday. “If they're smart, young people will think twice about doing something stupid if they know it's going to show up on a record employers will be looking at years down the road.”

        “It's safe to say some people have been surprised by the consequences of their activities,” Sgt. Smith said. “You're going to be cited or arrested if it's appropriate.”

        He said an increased weekend police presence near campus would continue. “We'll know more tomorrow and next weekend, but we'll stick with what's working for now,” he said. “I'm very confident we won't have a Saturday night like the previous one.”

        University officials Thursday had announced several measures designed to help control parties.

        They include immediate suspension of students whose parties get out of control. The suspension would prohibit students from attending classes and university events until disciplinary proceedings are resolved. Those students also would face expulsion.

        In addition, some retailers agreed to sell only beer in cans at campus-area stores this weekend, Glass bottles were tossed at police and smashed in the streets in the previous two disturbances.

        “Everybody's been great in trying to find solutions, and it does make a difference to officers knowing they're getting support from the university and most students,” Sgt. Smith said.

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