Early Police Report Says Violence Down
Three people were shot--none fatally--and revelers ran from bars and apartment buildings Sunday night in Chicago, only to be met by police cars flashing lights to deter mayhem in the aftermath of the Bulls’ 87-75 victory over Seattle that clinched the NBA championship.
Police reported widespread minor disturbances, including crowds gathering, attempted looting, bottles and bricks being thrown and youths harassing motorists.
Authorities also said they were not certain the shootings were related to postgame celebrations.
The trouble was nowhere near the scale of the problems that followed the Bulls’ second championship in 1992, when rioters set fire to businesses and damaged police cars, city buses and subway cars, causing damage estimated at more than $10 million.
“In every case . . . we’re just flooding the area with police officers,” police spokesman Paul Jenkins said.
In a plea for peaceful celebrations, Bull Coach Phil Jackson and players Michael Jordan and Dennis Rodman had videotaped a public service message.
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