It began as a Christmas night party at the Palo Alto Elks Lodge, a ``social gathering,'' it said on the contract, which estimated that about 100 might show up to dance to a DJ and drink sodas, security provided.

Instead, as many as 500 showed up at the hip-hop party, which spiraled out of control. After it broke up about 1 a.m. Thursday, partygoers reportedly looted two convenience stores, raced and spun out cars along El Camino Real and fired gunshots into the air. Police also suspect that someone at the party robbed a teen walking just four blocks away.

Palo Alto party ends in looting