APTOS, Calif. >> Authorities in Northern California say what started as a small house party for high school graduates spiraled out of control after hundreds saw it mentioned on social media.

Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Sgt. Patrick Dimick said Monday the house was trashed after more than 300 people showed up at the gathering in the Aptos Hills.

When authorities arrived late Saturday night they found partygoers fighting, destroying furniture and looting.

Dimick says several agencies from around the county were called in help break up the party. The California Highway Patrol later arrested four youths for stealing jewelry and weapons.

Dimick said an acquaintance of the 16-year-old girl who hosted the party started inviting people via text, leading eventually to the huge turnout. He says the girl was still given a citation.