It is normal for college students to party during spring break. However, one recent college block party led to a massive showdown with police.

It happened at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Va. Reports indicate about 8,000 students showed up for the annual Springfest, which included many other young people from local high schools and other colleges.

Linda Mintle, a family therapist, appeared on CBN Newschannel's Morning program to give more insight on the story.

Click play to watch the interview.

Things soon turned rowdy, with students throwing beer cans and bottles at each other and at houses. Some even lit dumpsters on fire. When police asked the students to disperse, they refused.

The situation deteriorated further, with students throwing rocks and bottles at police. The officers eventually turned to riot control methods, including tear gas, and pepper spray.

"When you are setting off tear gas and people still aren't leaving, you know it's bad," Lt. Kurt Boshart of the Harrisonburg Police Department told The Washington Times. "It was really bad."

News reports indicate more than 200 city and state police were brought in to restore order. The standoff lasted for about four hours.