Smoke Bomb Cloaks Robbery at Disco
A smoke bomb exploded inside a crowded Brooklyn disco early Wednesday, sending panicked New Year’s revelers into the streets as thieves pilfered patrons’ handbags and wallets inside the club.
About 24 celebrants and eight firefighters suffered smoke inhalation, although most were not seriously injured, Police Sgt. Ron Severin said.
Police and fire units, including the police bomb squad, were investigating whether the use of the smoke bomb was part of a premeditated robbery attempt. Another theory called the incident a New Year’s prank that provided cover for opportunistic thieves.
Severin said the confusion began when a military smoke grenade was tossed inside a giant loudspeaker at about 4 a.m. in the Remsen Cave, a social club in the East Flatbush section of Brooklyn.
Several hundred party-goers raced for the doors as club security guards sprayed fire extinguishers into the speaker. The chemicals in the extinguishers created more fumes, choking the celebrants.
As the club was emptying and Emergency Medical Services officers began treating some of the people, thieves apparently slipped back inside and grabbed handbags left behind by the panicked revelers, police said.
“Someone just took advantage of a sick opportunity to profit from these people’s confusion and panic,” Severin said.
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