Revelers Get Violent with Police, Motorists after Lakers NBA Finals Win
LAPD Chief Charlie Beck says deployment is up to 5 times greater than last year.
Watch Jennifer Gould's Report
Authorities line the streets near the Staples Center, keeping watch over a massive crowd of fans. (KTLA-TV / June 17, 2010)
Nine people had been arrested for public intoxication, vandalism, and inciting a riot, but that number was expected to rise, Los Angeles police spokeswoman Mary Grady said.
Rocks, bottles, and even one rat trap are reported to have been thrown at officers, according to LAPD Spokeswoman April Harding.
Police reportedly fired rubber bullets at fans who overturned a city vehicle and set several fires in the area of At Figueroa and Venice.
A mob of people was caught on camera surrounding a taxi attempting to leave the Staples Center, then trapping the vehicle before hitting, rocking, and jumping on it, then opening the passengers door.
Another mob of people were seen knocking over a Caltrans barrier, then kicking it around a street.
One driver had to abandon their car and run to safety when aggressive revelers lit the motorist's car on fire. The flames were seen spreading to the entire car interior and the culprits fled as police and fire officials closed in.
A person in a Celtics jersey was seen being beaten by several people on the street in the area of Flower and Olympic after attempting to protect his car from vandalism. Soon after, several other random fights started erupting in the streets.
Several people were seen pouring onto the eastbound 10 freeway ramp at Figueroa.
The Los Angeles Fire Department said several people were treated for injuries outside the arena, though did not release the number of people treated or the extent of the injuries.
Police immediately urged people to clear away from outside the Staples Center after the Lakers NBA Championship win, then soon declared an unlawful assembly as hundreds of rowdy Los Angeles Lakers fans poured into the streets near Staples Center after the Lakers victory.
The increased police presence and extra precautions taken tonight is all to prevent fans from violently rioting outside the Staples Center, like the last time the Lakers won a championship in 2009.
Los Angeles police outside the Lakers game at Staples Center have cleared a crowd of fans who were gathered at the plaza near the Nokia Theatre, because they said there were too many people.
According to the L.A. Times, Los Angeles Fire Department inspectors made stops at several bars near the Staples Center around half-time, and even shut down Riordan's Tavern on Figueroa Street for being over capacity.
At around 7:00 p.m., police were turning away pedestrians on Olympic Boulevard near the Chick Hearn Blue Line station.
The Los Angeles Police Department reportedly deployed hundreds of extra officers on patrol across the city, including on horseback and on foot.
Last year, fans celebrated the Lakers' championship victory over the Orlando Magic by lighting fires, looting stores and damaging vehicles, including a city bus. The game was played in Florida, but that didn't stop fans from storming downtown L.A.
In 2000, after the Lakers won their first NBA title in 12 years, fans rioted outside Staples Center, destroying two police cars and leaving more than 70 other vehicles damaged.
City officials say, that's no way to celebrate.
"We do not celebrate victory by destroying the city," said LAPD Chief Charlie Beck.
This is a sad testament that you have to get up here and say to somebody, come on, don't ruin a great day," Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said on Wednesday.
Chief Beck says deployment will be up to five times larger than last year.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca said he has notified hundreds of deputies to be on hand in case the police department needs backup.
"We will be very, very aggressive in prosecuting people who aren't acting according to the law, Villaraigosa said.
Several road closures will be in effect for the game.
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