CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Charleston Mayor Danny Jones is defending police after some West Liberty University students have said unnecessary force was used at the Embassy Suites Saturday night.

Following the school's West Virginia Conference championship win, West Liberty Athletic Director James Watson, 66, his son Brian, 28, and two other West Liberty student-athletes were arrested after what one hotel employee described as an "out of control" celebration.

"First and foremost, I hope people will understand that the Charleston Police Department did not ask to be called to the Embassy Suites, but were called by people at the hotel when they felt the situation was beyond their control," Jones said in a written statement.

James Watson is charged with obstructing an officer and battery of an officer. Brian Watson is facing charges of public intoxication, disorderly conduct, fleeing on foot and obstructing an officer.

Tyler Tucci, 22, who plays football for West Liberty, and Gabrielle Davis, 19, who is a volleyball player, according to the university's website, were both charged with obstructing.

Charleston Police Lt. Steve Cooper said hotel security called police for backup after "they had lost control of the situation."

Police were met by nearly 200 people in the hotel lobby, according to Cooper, who said the crowd "smelled of liquor, were belligerent and aggressive toward police."

Jones said in his statement that Charleston police called for backup "in hopes that the crowd then might disperse peacefully." About 15 officers came to the hotel, Cooper said.

"After reading the police reports about the incident, including the accounts of several independent eyewitnesses, I stand completely behind the actions of the Charleston Police Department," Jones said.

While trying to stop police from arresting his son, James Watson stepped in front of Cpl. D. Nikocevic and then shoved him with both arms in his chest, according to a criminal complaint filed in Kanawha County Magistrate Court.

Senior Patrolman M.Z. Blackledge wrote in a complaint that Brian Watson had an alcoholic beverage in his hand and was screaming profanities at hotel patrons.

Police say Brian Watson tried to flee the area while his dad tried to stop the arrest. Police grabbed him by his arm and eventually got him on the ground, where he was handcuffed, the complaint states.

Tucci wrote on Twitter that Charleston Police had "abused their authority by assaulting 4 kids and arresting a good honest man for no reason."

Police used pepper spray on Tucci, who Cooper said resisted arrest.

"I'm ready to testify in front of a judge on behalf of ANYONE mistreated by Charleston Police Department last night," basketball player Chris Morrow wrote on Twitter.

Andrea Morrow wrote that she watched a "100lb girl tackled by a 240lb police officer."

Davis "was lunging out toward [police] with her arms outstretched while the officers had their backs to her," according to a criminal complaint.

"She would have interjected herself physically in the struggle had I not grabbed her prior to her making contact with the officers," J.M. Spurlock wrote.

Travis Hinkle, an admissions counselor at West Liberty, wrote on his Twitter page Sunday that police should have never been called to the hotel.

"Nobody was out of line and the Charleston PD was throwing people around for no reason," Hinkle wrote.

Cooper said the incident was not captured on hotel surveillance video.

The Hilltoppers' win Saturday marked the team's third straight title at the West Virginia Conference men's basketball tournament at the Charleston Civic Center.

West Liberty is ranked No. 1 nationally in NCAA Division II.

The school's president issued a statement Sunday about the incident, which touted the accomplishments of James Watson.

"West Liberty University, and I personally, fully support Jim," said President Robin C. Capehart in the written statement. "Based on the account of more than two dozen eyewitnesses to whom I've spoken, we look forward to the judicial process with regard to this matter."

Capehart wasn't available Monday to comment further. James Watson did not return a phone call.

In light of the incident, Mayor Jones said he hopes the tournament will return to Charleston, but added, "We also hope that all people will conduct themselves appropriately."

"From what I have learned about the situation, I believe our officers did respond appropriately to this call for help."