Chicago, IL - Within minutes of the Bulls 99-98 victory over the Phoenix Suns, gunshots and fireworks could be heard all over the City of Chicago. While much of the early noise could be attributed to genuine celebration, it wasn't long before the police scanner began to light up with with reports of shots fired, with some at the police. Seconds later, reports were being received of large crowds of "youths" blocking numerous intersections and stopping traffic.
Soon, reports of rocks and bottles being thrown at the police at 23rd and State were received, followed by a request for a "10-1" (officer needs assistance) at 75th and Coles. Fires were reportedly set at the disturbance at 75th and Coles, and a second request for assistance was broadcast. Concurrently, police at 2240 S. State reported that they were "pinned down" and being pelted with "rocks and bottles". At approximately 2120CDT, officers in the 2300 Block of S. State frantically requested additional assistance and reported that they were under fire.
Even though police and fire officials had planned extensively for this eventuality, the frenzy of violence continued to escalate. Police reported that they were having great difficulty controlling the intersection of Division and State in Chicago's Rush Street area. Mounted officers were quickly dispatched to attempt to clear several downtown intersections and several calls for "gas teams" were heard on police frequencies. The "gas teams" were Chicago Police officers equipped with pepper-teargas dispensers that are used to dispurse unruly crowds.
At 2130CDT, reports began to be received of "breaking into stores" in the vicinity of 39th and Martin Luther King Drive, 62nd and Vernon, 66th and Cottage Grove, and in the 400 block of E. 34th Street. Although not specifically described as "looting", the intensity and frequency of reports would suggest that numerous "burglaries" were being committed. By 2140CDT, police and fire radios were alive with a constant barrage of reports of mayhem.
At 2145CDT, a Chicago Fire Dept ambulance was dispatched to Madison and Larramie for an unconfirmed report of a "policeman shot". Radio reports of sporadic violence continued throughout the city. Especially on Chicago's Southside, numerous reports were received of "large crowds" surging through neighborhoods, overturning cars, and setting of fires in garbage cans and dumpsters. Continued reports of "shots fired" were heard on police radios, and at least one police officer is known shot and transported to Michael Reese Hospital.
Local television and radio stations appeared to be taking a particularly conservative approach to coverage of the "celebration". Few, if any live pictures of any criminal activities were being broadcast on any the network affiliates. Broadcasters on all of the local stations continue to comment on the "general peacefulness" of the Bull's fans, and show scenes of well-controlled restaurants and bars. In fact, no minicam reports were being filed from any of the neighborhoods where police have reported violence. The only official statements being transmitted by the media have emanated, so far, from Chicago Police Headquarters at 11th and State.
(C) EmergencyNet NEWS Service, 1993
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