Chaos erupts outside Summer Jam concert at MetLife Stadium

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ (KTRK) -- New Jersey State Police blocking gates outside of a major hip-hop concert at MetLife Stadium had bottles thrown at them by angry people in the crowd who were trying to get inside - some without tickets - and they later used tear gas to try to disperse them, according to officials.

Crowds at the Hot 97 Summer Jam concert became upset Sunday night when the gates were closed and blocked off by police in riot gear. An armored state police vehicle began blasting a piercing loud noise to try to disperse the crowd and police later deployed tear gas.

Additional troops were sent for "crowd control" and arrests were made, a police spokesman, Sgt. Gregory Williams, told The Associated Press. State police didn't release details about what measures they used to disperse the crowd. The number of arrests wasn't immediately known.

The disturbance began when crowds of people tried to "illegally" force their way into the sold out event by climbing over fences and forcing their way through security, state police said in a statement Sunday night. Police said they insisted that everyone outside of the gate leave the stadium complex to avoid congestion when the concert ended.

Videos and photos posted by people outside of the stadium on social media showed fights between concertgoers and police in riot gear blocking the entrance. Images also showed police using large military-style vehicles to try to disperse the crowds.

Eyewitness News spoke with several concertgoers a paid a lot of money only to wait outside the gate all night and never be allowed inside to see artists like Chris Brown.

Niemi Hendrix said he spent more than $1,000 to be a part of the concert. He came at 3 p.m. for tailgating which was fine, but when he tried to get inside at 8 PM that's when he was denied.

Hot 97 said on Twitter Sunday night that for those whose Summer Jam tickets were not scanned, refunds will be offered at point of purchase.

New Jersey State Police released a statement Sunday night saying: "This evening, security personnel at one of the entrance gates to MetLife Stadium were confronted by crowds attempting to illegally enter the sold out Summer Jam concert by climbing over fences and forcing their way through security personnel. The gates have been shut and troopers on site have called for assistance from several nearby stations to help maintain order.Troopers and stadium security officials are insisting that all people outside of the gates depart the MetLife grounds to avoid congestion when the concert lets out. There is no number of arrests available at this time."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.