MLB

LA erupts into chaos following Dodgers’ World Series victory with looters raiding Nike store, ‘hostile’ mob burning a bus

LA erupts into chaos following Dodgers’ World Series victory
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At least a dozen people were arrested as Los Angeles descended into chaos Wednesday night after the Dodgers beat the Yankees in the World Series — with belligerent baseball fans setting fire to a bus while others clashed with cops and looters ran amok.

Six people were arrested for commercial burglary, four for receiving stolen property, and two for failure to disperse, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

The LAPD shared footage of a mob of looters running in and out of a boarded-up Nike store carrying merchandise and throwing it into cars parked outside the store about four miles from Dodger Stadium just after 11 p.m.

Elsewhere, footage from the wild chaos captured a man covered in blue paint on his hands and knees frantically scrawling a message on a sidewalk ahead of an advancing crowd of police.

That blue guy scurried away, but another man was caught up in the brigade of cops and dragged by his backpack for a block as officers in riot-gear dispersed the mayhem, according to the footage captured by journalist Sean Beckner-Carmitchel.

People loot a sneaker store during celebrations after the Los Angeles Dodgers’ victory over the New York Yankees on Wednesday night. REUTERS

The LAPD said it was “aware of the looting” and has made arrests but did not disclose how many suspects were taken into custody.

The department also shared that “several businesses” were looted and multiple properties were “vandalized” during the “violent celebrations” across the city.

Aerial footage from ABC 7 Los Angeles shows dozens of looters calmly walking into and leaving a Nike store with boxes of goods without police interference.

As looters ransacked businesses, other areas of downtown Los Angeles were plunged into madness.

The LAPD said a “hostile crowd” — estimated at between 200 and 300 people lit an MTA bus on fire about a mile from Dodger Stadium around 12:35 a.m. local time.

Footage posted to Citizen captured the moment a massive crowd — the majority of whom were wearing Dodgers jerseys and apparel — surrounded and sat atop the graffiti-laced bus.

The LAPD said it was “aware of the looting” and has made arrests but did not disclose how many suspects were taken into custody. REUTERS
A police officer shoots a foam bullet at a Dodgers fan on the street during celebrations Wednesday night. REUTERS

Members of the crowd were caught on video entering the bus, while others were seen holding up Dodgers flags and taking pictures.

Emergency responders arrived at about 12:45 a.m. local time, monitored the bus fire, and protected nearby structures from potential spread.

A video posted by @FilmThePoliceLA shows fireworks being set off inside the bus as the crowd shouts in excitement.

The LAPD said a “hostile crowd” lit an MTA bus on fire about a mile from Dodger Stadium around 12:35 a.m. local time. CITIZEN
Dodgers fans celebrate in Echo Park in front of a bus that was tagged after the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the New York Yankees in Game 5. Getty Images

Another showed the bus fully engulfed in flames and spewing out thick, black smoke while police in riot gear set up a perimeter to keep back the crowd.

“Let’s go, Dodgers!” the crowd shouted over the sounds of helicopters and police sirens.

The bus then appeared to explode and shot flames into the air.

Emergency responders arrived at about 12:45 a.m. local time. CITIZEN
A Metro bus burns following Dodger fan celebrations in the area of Echo Park on Wednesday night. Getty Images

Firefighters were seen extinguishing the charred remains of the bus, the frame of which was the only part of the transport vehicle that appeared to remain intact.

The Los Angeles Fire Department said it remains “in a normal operating mode, handling routine emergencies citywide” and has directed the public to the LAPD for information regarding all the “unlawful gatherings.”

The LAPD also reported that officers trying to disperse the rowdy crowd were being pelted with rocks, bottles and fireworks from a malicious crowd around where the looting was taking place.

Firefighters extinguish the charred remains of the bus. CITIZEN
Los Angeles Dodgers fans setting off fireworks and celebrating in the streets after the World Series win. Chelsea Lauren/Shutterstock

“Extra resources are responding to that area to assist. If you are on the street, at or adjacent to that intersection, leave the area immediately & follow officers’ orders,” police said.

“If you are in the area, please use caution.”

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass warned citizens that “violence will not be tolerated” as the city celebrates the Dodgers besting the Yankees during Game 5 in New York, according to Fox 11 Los Angeles.

“LAPD is currently on tactical alert and has activated a strategic plan to protect communities and businesses, which includes proactive deployment and a coordinated strategy with regional partners to ensure that all Angelenos are able to celebrate safely,” she said.

The Dodgers beat the Yankees 7-6 at Yankee Stadium and are scheduled to celebrate their victory on Friday morning with a ticketed event at Dodger Stadium and a parade in downtown Los Angeles.