Violence Breaks Out Over Air Jordan 11 Concord Shoes (VIDEO)
Chaos erupted in a number of U.S. stores today as the race to get the new Nike Air Jordan XI Retro “Concord” shoes began.
The $180 shoes went on sale early Friday, resulting in several arrests by police who were forced to manage unruly crowds, according to Mail Online.
Former NBA star Michael Jordan was first seen wearing the shoes over a decade ago and they were an instant hit.
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Shoppers were lined up for hours in several states, and even before doors opened violence broke out. Four people were arrested in Atlanta, Ga. after impatient crowds broke store doors open before opening time.
One shopper was arrested after abandoning her toddlers in the car in order to secure at least one of the limited pairs up for sale.
Police used pepper spray to calm rioters outside stores in Seattle, Wa. after more than 1,000 had been standing in line for hours and fights broke out.
Shoppers were also injured in an Indianapolis mall after 1,500 shoe fans battled it out for the few 300 pairs being sold.
"We were trying to do what we could to make sure that once a person purchased the shoes and left that they were able to make it to their cars safely," an Indianapolis Police spokesman told WRTV.
Sneaker lovers became so irate on their quests to purchase the Air Jordans that they began throwing things and attacking one another, horrifying onlookers.
A young boy was seriously hurt at a Foot Locker store in Michigan after aggressive shoppers used violence to better their chances at scoring a pair of the high-demand footwear.
"One kid was trampled and hurt his arm, maybe even broke it," a Troy Police spokesman told Patch.
In Austin, Texas two Foot Locker stores were forced to close early after violence broke out amongst shoppers.
Air Jordans were first released in 1985 and they are endorsed by retired NBA great Michael Jordan.
The Christian Post Daily Report 12.23.11
