Shoppers Wait Hours for Air Jordan Release; Police Respond to Altercations in Other Cities

While shoe stores in some areas saw riots or injuries, the only problem Royal Oak sneaker boutique had with this morning's much-anticipated Air Jordan release was some disappointed customers.

Joe VanBuren, manager at the downtown Royal Oak shop, said at least 80 people were lined up at the store for the midnight release of Nike's Air Jordan XI Retro “Concord," which retails for $175.

“It was crazy. We sold out pretty much instantly,” he said.

VanBuren said customers started lining up at 7 a.m. Thursday for the must-get shoe. Some customers who had to be turned away after the shoe sold out were upset, but there were no altercations, he said.

“Some people were a little bit upset that they couldn’t get them, but no violence or anything," he said.

The release wasn't as smooth in Troy, where police were called to both malls in the city after things got "out of control."

A shopper waiting in line at in was injured trying to buy the 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 as early as 4 a.m. Friday.

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."

A spokesperson from The Somerset Collection confirmed that the incident occurred but was unable to give more information. Calls to Oakland Mall were not immediately returned.

The Detroit News reported a riot at Southland Mall this morning in Taylor related to the shoe release, noting that the crowd was safely dispersed, and one arrest was made. The article also reported a similiar situation near Seattle in which police used pepper spray.

VanBuren said Burn Rubber's Royal Oak store has been lucky as far as having no altercations; he just wishes the store had more of the shoe to offer customers.

"Air Jordans are the biggest release of the year," he said. "It’s kind of one of those things to where it’s just a big release from Jordan that everyone pretty much hears about it.

"Unfortunately, we had to turn people away."