Crime & Safety
Shopper Injured in Early-Morning Air Jordan Release at Somerset Collection
Troy Police were called to Foot Locker stores at The Somerset Collection and Oakland Mall after crowds waiting for the shoe became "unruly."
A shopper waiting in line Friday morning at in was injured trying to buy the latest pair of Air Jordan shoes, according to .
“One kid was trampled and hurt his arm, maybe even broke it at Somerset," said Officer Andy Breidenich, public information officer for the Troy Police Department.
Shoppers lined up at Foot Locker locations in The Somerset Collection and – and across the country – as early as 4 a.m. Friday for the early-morning release of Nike's Air Jordan XI Retro “Concord," which retails for around $175.
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Breidenich said crowds at both malls were "unruly," and there was "a lot of shouting." He added that Troy Police officers had to escort some individuals who had purchased the shoes to their vehicles for their safety.
“The crowd got a little out of control at both malls, and both malls had to call the police department," Breidenich said. "It was a strain on our resources."
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A similar incident occurred Friday morning at Southland Mall in Taylor, where a 21-year-old Detroit man waiting to purchase the shoes was arrested for inciting a riot, according to the Detroit Free Press. In Seattle, police used pepper spray to subdue a rowdy crowd of shoppers waiting to purchase the shoes.
In nearby Royal Oak, Burn Rubber manager Joe VanBuren said the downtown sneaker boutique had at least 80 people lined up waiting for the release, but the crowd was well behaved.
“It was crazy. We sold out pretty much instantly,” he said. “Some people were a little bit upset that they couldn’t get them, but no violence or anything," he said.
Shelley Darmetko, spokesperson for Oakland Mall, said the crowd wasn't as bad at Oakland Mall, where no injuries were reported.
“We were prepared for the potential crowds with additional security, and as you know, the release of these Air Jordans is very popular," Darmetko said. "Our priority is everyone’s safety in these events.”
A spokesperson from The Somerset Collection confirmed the incident occurred at the mall, but was unable to give more information.
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