Crowd rushes doors for Nike shoes, sale canceled

BATON ROUGE, LA (WAFB) - People who lined up in the rain with hopes of buying what some are calling the most anticipated shoe of the year went home empty handed after authorities canceled the sale.

Available units from the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office and Baton Rouge Police Department were called out to the Mall of Louisiana early Friday morning. Dozens of units responded to the call for assistance.

A crowd of well over 100 people had gathered outside the mall for the release of the new Nike "Galaxy" Foamposite One.

"It's probably the most highly anticipated shoe of the year," one witness said. "Everybody really wants these shoes."

Another witness said there was security on hand, but shoe enthusiasts rushed the doors of the mall and additional units were called in to get the situation under control.

He added after attempts to get people lined up orderly failed, authorities called off the sale and sent everyone home.

"They tried to keep everyone off the premises until about 5 [a.m.], but they couldn't," the second witness said. "People have been here. People are hiding in bushes."

When asked was it all worth it, both men responded, "Yes."

No injuries or arrests were reported.

The shoe sells for about $220.

According to reports, Orlando police officers in riot gear had to break up an out-of-control crowd there that was trying to get the shoe.

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