LOWELL —A fight broke out Friday evening during the Lowell Folk Festival and resulted in three arrests and officers using pepper spray to disperse a hostile crowd, according to police.

Police were dispatched to the area of Merrimack and Central streets at 7:43 p.m., for reports of a large fight, according to Capt. James Hodgdon. They arrived to find a crowd of about 60 people.

Officers attempted to disperse the crowd and called for backup, which resulted in all available police units responding to the area.

Alexander Chaing, 22, of Lowell, was initially arrested for disorderly conduct after fighting and throwing punches at another man, according to Hodgdon.

Neyleisha Marquez, 18, of Lowell, was arrested for assault and battery after Marquez attempted to resist arrest and spit on a officer’s face and shirt during the initial brawl, Hodgdon said.

Jaydakis Santell, 18, of Lowell, was the third person arrested after Santell interfered with police and attempted to resist arrest, according to Hodgdon. Santell attempted to run, push and kick at officers following the arrest of Marquez, Hodgdon said. The police used pepper spray to detain Santell, Hodgdon said.

Hodgdon said the crowd became hostile as officers attempted to make arrests.

“Officers dispersed OC spray over the heads of the hostile crowd,” Hodgdon said in an email. “The OC spray had the desired effect with the crowd leaving the area.”

Luke O’Roark on Twitter: @LukeORoark