LAPD Declares 'Unlawful Assembly' As Crowds Amass Near Staples Center Following Lakers Victory
[Updated at 10:55 p.m.]. Some fans were starting to get out of control Thursday night following the Lakers' 83-79 win over the Boston Celtics. A few people appeared to have been beaten up as unruly men gathered at Flower Street and Olympic Boulevard near Staples Center. Some hooligans attacked vehicles, throwing cones at them and blocking their paths. At one point a late-model Lamborghini was rocked back and forth by fans. At least 20 people were arrested, police said.
At about 10:18 p.m. KCAL9 showed footage of a taxi that was up in flames on Flower between Seventh and Eighth streets.
In a separate incident a bicyclist was hit by a police cruiser and subsequently was taken by paramedics to a hospital. A Los Angeles Fire Department official said at least a few people were being treated for various ailments.
" ... There have been multiple persons injured outdoors near Staples Center," reported LAFD spokesman Brian Humphrey.
Some fans gathered at Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue, prompting police to respond to that intersection.
A bonfire was set and a few people jumped on a car as crowds amassed near corner of 11th and Figueroa streets outside Staples Center. An unlawful assembly was declared, according to KCAL9, allowing officers to make arrests for simply being in the area.
-With reporting from City News Service. Got news? Email us.
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