June 18, 2010 — Riot police were called to The Staples Center in L.A. to control riots that broke out after the Lakers won the NBA Finals. Betty Nguyen reports.
LAPD: Disperse immediately (raw video).
The Los Angeles Police Department declared an unlawful assembly moments after Game 7 ended — Los Angeles Lakers 83 – Boston Celtics 79.
At least 12 people were arrested for crimes including public drunkenness, vandalism and inciting a riot. One person was arrested for assaulting a police officer. At least one car was set on fire, ad the gas tank exploded on the street. Hundreds of police officers in police squad cars, on foot and on horseback moved to clear streets and break up the crowds.
Heavy police presence outside the Staples Centre in Los Angeles did not prevent violence from breaking out after the Lakers Game 7 win against the Boston Celtics on Thursday night. However, police presence might have prevented violence from becoming much worse.
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LA TIMES: Despite heavy LAPD presence, violence breaks out after Lakers’ victory
LAist: LAPD Trying to Control Crowds After Lakers Victory
Nixle: Los Angeles/LAPD