LAPD reports 3 arrests after the Kings win the Stanley Cup
Of the thousands of fans who gathered outside Staples Center on Friday as the Los Angeles Kings claimed the Stanley Cup, only three ended their evening in handcuffs, authorities said.
On Friday afternoon, the Los Angeles Police Department issued a warning urging fans without tickets to stay away from the arena as the Kings tried to close out their championship series against the New York Rangers, but a crush of fans in black and white jerseys turned up anyway.
Despite the high-intensity game and packed conditions, police reported just three arrests: two for battery and one for public intoxication.
Officer Rosario Herrera said two men were arrested outside the Wolfgang Puck restaurant after they were involved in a scuffle during the first overtime of Game 5. Another man was arrested on suspicion of drunken behavior near Chick Hearn Court and Figueroa Street, she said.
Officers also broke up a budding melee after the Kings clinched the Cup about 10:45 p.m. and began ordering fans to leave the area. But by that time, most of the Kings’ faithful were departing the arena of their own accord, and Herrera said no one else was arrested.
Video from the scene also showed fans throwing bottles and other objects at one of several drones hovering outside the arena. Eventually, the drone crashed to the ground, but Herrera said police don’t believe the drone was operated by the LAPD.
The scene outside the arena Friday night was much calmer than the mayhem that ensued after the Lakers bested the longtime rival Boston Celtics in Game 7 of the 2010 NBA Finals. That night saw riotous conditions, and ended with officers in riot gear descending on the Staples Center area.
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