Iowa State reeling after riot

AMES, Iowa, April 18 (UPI) -- Iowa State University officials Sunday said they will not again tolerate the violence and vandalism of the overnight five-hour riot by students.

The occasion was the annual VEISHEA student celebration that has caused trouble in some previous years.

This time a crowd of about 1,000 threw rocks, broke off utility light poles and broke windows of businesses. Despite an aggressive police response, including the use of tear gas, the disturbance lasted until shortly before dawn, theiowachannel.com reported.

The star center on the Iowa State basketball team, Jared Homan, was among the more than 30 people arrested.

There was not immediate estimate of damage but police said it was extensive. University officials said they will decide whether ever to hold the annual celebration again, or whether to make changes to guard against further damage. Although alcohol is officially banned from the campus, widespread drinking was observed.

The name VEISHEA is derived from the first initial of each of the university's schools.