COLUMBUS — Out of patience, Ohio State University and Columbus officials vowed to crack down on campus-area partying that gets out of control.

        “When the police say, "Clear the area, clear the area,' that's the way it's gonna be,” Mayor Michael Coleman said at a news conference Wednesday.

        “This is not a spectator sport. If you violate the law, you will be arrested.”

        Police arrested 26 people at an incident on Chittenden Avenue Saturday night and early Sunday that arose out of an annual event known as Chit Fest. Charges ranged from underage drinking to assault on a police officer. Seven OSU students were suspended.

        City Safety Director Mitchell Brown said police will be watching this weekend and will be prepared to move swiftly at the first sign of trouble.

        Individuals who don't obey police orders to go inside if trouble starts will be arrested, he said.

        But students living in areas near campus where disturbances have occurred didn't seem particularly concerned about the threats of arrest and suspension.

        On East Norwich Avenue, where several parties are planned for this weekend, empty beer bottles still litter yards.

        “People are looking for a riot. They're expecting one. And it's not a riot until the cops come,” said Ross Holt, 21, a senior who lives on Norwich.

        Mr. Holt said he's not planning a huge bash but is inviting some friends over Saturday. “I'm 21, and if I want to go out and drink a beer on my porch, I can,” he said.

        Up the street, Irwin Meram, 22, also a senior, blamed a lot of the problems on over-reaction by the police.

        “The police just take it way too far,” he said. “One little thing happens, and they go into the van and put on the riot gear.”

        Ohio State has mailed letters signed by William Hall, vice president for student affairs, to 900 parents of students who live on Norwich. Ads discouraging parties will run in the student newspaper.

        “A student convicted of rioting can be banned from all public universities in Ohio for a year,” the letter says. Letters also went to students in residence halls.

        The mayor said retailers have agreed not to sell beer in bottles and to limit keg sales to one per person.

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