Some celebrations in downtown Los Angeles devolved into looting and vandalism after the Dodgers beat the New York Yankees in Game 5 of the World Series Wednesday night, clinching the team’s eighth World Series title in the franchise’s history.
Despite the Los Angeles police’s pleas to celebrate the victory “responsibly,” some of the throngs of celebrants became “hostile,” according to the department’s social media postings.
“A dispersal order has been issued at 9th and Flower due to an unlawful assembly and a hostile crowd that is throwing fireworks and projectiles at officers. Leave the area immediately and follow all officers orders,” one post read.
“We have reports of looting at several stores in the area of 8th and Broadway. Please stay out of the area.”
“Various projectiles are being thrown at LAPD Officers in the area of Olympic & Grand. Extra resources are responding to that area to assist,” another post read. “Officers taking rocks and bottles at Olympic and Grand.”
Police responded to the attacks and attempted to disperse the crowds by firing non-lethal projectiles.
“Reports of a hostile crowd that has surrounded an MTA bus and is attempting to set it on fire in the area of Sunset and Echo Park. LAPD officers are responding,” police wrote in another post.
An estimated 200 to 300 people overtook the bus at about 12:35 a.m. local time, covering it with graffiti. After a failed attempt to turn the bus over on its side, vandals set off fireworks inside the vehicle, causing it to explode and catch fire. The driver and five passengers aboard the bus managed to escape without injury.
Fireworks set the bus on fire. pic.twitter.com/FDq5sqhtc7
— Film The Police LA (@FilmThePoliceLA) October 31, 2024
Police also reported that several businesses were looted, including a Nike store, where individuals were caught on video carrying items out of the boarded-up store and stashing them in vehicles parked outside the door. LAPD tweeted that it was aware of the looting and that arrests had been made.
According to Drake Madison, a spokesperson for the LAPD, at least 12 people were arrested. Six individuals were charged with commercial burglary, four were detained for receiving stolen property, and two were charged with failure to disperse, as USA Today reported.
L.A. Mayor Karen Bass issued a statement late Wednesday evening, noting that “violence will not be tolerated. LAPD is currently on tactical alert and has activated a strategic plan to protect communities and businesses.”
Bass reminded Dodgers fans that there will be two celebration opportunities on Friday, including a ticketed event at Dodger Stadium and a parade through downtown L.A.
“This will be a celebration fitting for our championship team and our dedicated fans, ” Bass added.