NEW YORK, NY — Large crowds that gathered near Madison Square Garden during and after a Knicks game turned destructive overnight, according to the NYPD, leading to dozens of arrests, multiple injuries and widespread damage.
Police said the crowd grew across several blocks north of the arena and eventually stretched from Fifth to Ninth avenues as the number of people swelled into the tens of thousands.
NYPD says 63 people were arrested on charges including assault and weapon possession
The NYPD said 63 people were arrested overnight and into the morning because of the crowds tied to the game.
Charges included assault on a police officer, criminal possession of a weapon, criminal mischief, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and obstruction of governmental administration.
Police reported a shooting, four slashings or stabbings and 10 injured officers
Police said one shooting was reported at 43rd Street and Broadway. The victim was 17 years old and was taken to a hospital by NYPD officers because an ambulance could not get through the crowd on 42nd Street.
A firearm was recovered at the scene, and three people of interest were taken into custody, according to police. The NYPD also said four slashings or stabbings were reported.
Ten officers were injured, including one who was punched in the face and another who was hit with a glass bottle.
School buses, police vehicles and private cars were damaged as crowds blocked streets
The NYPD said five school buses were lit on fire or damaged with bats and by people jumping on them. Police said the buses were being used to move people from Manhattan to MetLife Stadium for World Cup games.
Five police vehicles were also badly damaged, with officers saying bats were used and windows were shattered after people jumped on top of the vehicles. Multiple personal vehicles were also destroyed.
Police said people lit fireworks, climbed on light poles, traffic lights, scaffolding and other structures, and took part in large physical fights while refusing to disperse and blocking traffic for hours.
NYPD says more details are still being reviewed
The NYPD said the arrests were connected to the Knicks game crowds. Officials said more information about the shooting, the people taken into custody and the condition of the injured was not immediately available.
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