AT Least 300 Arrested in Chicago as Celebration Turns to Violence
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CHICAGO — Violence and looting broke out Sunday as fans filled the streets to celebrate the Chicago Bulls’ second NBA title.
A police officer handling crowd control was shot in the foot and hospitalized in good condition. A second officer was shot in the calf, treated and released, police spokeswoman Tina Vicini said. Several others were injured.
At least 300 people were arrested, Vicini said.
looting was reported from tony downtown Michigan Avenue to a four-block strip of stores on the west side and a gasoline station and beauty salon on the south side. Some shopkeepers sprayed fire extinguishers to keep people away from their doors.
On the north side, two taxis were destroyed by fans who jumped on them. Police were pelted by bottles and cans. At about 11 p.m. CDT, police began going door to door to close north-side taverns.
Windows on at least 30 buses were smashed as they drove their routes, but no passengers or drivers were reported injured.
Bulls’ star Michael Jordan appealed to fans for calm: “Let’s enjoy ourselves, but not tear up the city. It’s our city.”
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