DAYTON, OH -  When the University of Dayton in Ohio announced its temporary suspension of all classes and on-campus housing due to coronavirus concerns, students responded by putting on an out-of-control party on campus.

The cancellation was announced Tuesday, and within hours, hundreds of students had gathered on a campus street. School officials said the incident began as "one last large gathering before spring break" and was never intended to be a protest. 

UD housing will close at 6 pm March 11. If you are approved for an extended stay or housing over spring break, you are permitted to stay. Students should take any items necessary to continue their education from home as well as other essential items in case time away is extended.

— University of Dayton (@univofdayton) March 10, 2020

Police from multiple departments were summoned. They were seen in riot gear, and witnesses say they resorted to shooting pepper balls, chemical pellets with similar effects as pepper spray, at students. 

A statement from the university late Tuesday said some partygoers were throwing bottles at police and jumping on cars.

We have video of police officers shooting what appears to be non-lethal weapons at students. pic.twitter.com/kgSasTUtC6

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— Flyer News (@FlyerNews) March 11, 2020

Dayton Daily News reports that the riot broke up and the students disbanded around 2:15 a.m., Wednesday morning.