ECHO PARK (CNS) – Crowds of people who took to the streets to revel in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ World Series clinching Game 5 victory over the New York Yankees from downtown Los Angeles to Echo Park, forcing the Los Angeles Police Department to issue several dispersal orders after some businesses were looted and a Metro bus was vandalized and then set ablaze.
The first dispersal order was announced at 10 p.m. Wednesday after large crowds gathered at Sunset Boulevard and Douglas Street near Dodger Stadium.
“We know you want to celebrate the Dodgers World Series win, but please do not head to the downtown LA area,” the LAPD posted on social media. “There are many streets closed in the downtown LA area and traffic will be heavily impacted. Please celebrate responsibly.”
Fireworks were set off in East Los Angeles, with fans cheering wildly.
The department’s Central Division reported a number of businesses near L.A. Live – including a Nike store – in downtown Los Angeles were looted and police arrested several of the alleged looters.
In addition, the windows of the building in downtown Los Angeles where the Fogo de Chao Brazilian Steakhouse is located were tagged with graffiti, including an obscenity related to the Dodgers’ World Series victory over the Yankees, according to video from the scene.
At Ninth and Flower streets, another dispersal order was issued due to an unlawful assembly and a hostile crowd that was throwing fireworks and projectiles at police officers, according to the LAPD. A citywide tactical alert was later issued.
ABC7 also captured several instances of street takeovers, with cars doing donuts and burnouts.
The vandalism and burning of the Metro bus was reported at 12:50 a.m. Thursday near the intersection of Echo Park Avenue and West Sunset Boulevard, NBC4 reported. The bus was completely destroyed, leaving only the frame.
“Metro is disappointed and angered by the senseless act of vandalism on one of our buses following the Dodgers World Series Win earlier this evening,” Metro Communications Director Dave Sotero said in an email to City News Service. “We are thankful that the bus operator and the five passengers were safely evacuated before the bus was set on fire.”
At least 12 people have been arrested, mostly for looting, Fox 11 reported.
Meanwhile, Mayor Karen Bass offered her congratulations to the Dodgers following their decisive victory.
“Tonight, we showed the world that Los Angeles is made of CHAMPIONS,” Bass wrote on X. “Congratulations to the Dodgers on tonight’s win. Looking forward to seeing you back in LA!”
A parade is planned for Friday to celebrate the Dodgers’ victory.
Bass and other local officials have scheduled a 9 a.m. news conference to discuss support efforts for Friday’s parade.
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