Following Monday's Melee, LAPD Beefs Up Patrols For Mexico Vs. Netherlands World Cup Match
HUNTINGTON PARK (CBSLA.com) — As Southland fans headed to watch the World Cup match Sunday between Mexico and the Netherlands, police increased patrols in Huntington Park and Walnut Park to try and avoid the same melee that erupted following Mexico's victory Monday.
At 9 .m., Pacific Boulevard was closed between Florence and Gage avenues in the downtown area, where fans poured into restaurants as the two teams faced off in Fortaleza, Brazil in the single-elimination round of 16.
The Netherlands clinched the match, 2-1, scoring their goals in the last five minutes of the game.
At least four people were arrested Monday as Mexico fans paraded through Huntington Park streets after the team's 3-1 victory over Croatia assured it a spot in the round of 16. One of those arrested, 22-year-old Richard Bandala, allegedly waved a flag at a sheriff's horse and struck the animal repeatedly in
the head.
Some fans rocked cars as the crowd marched in the streets, many waving Mexican flags. Police said some fans had been at a viewing party at El Club on
Pacific Boulevard and others were in a plaza by Florence Avenue.
Metro is appealing to fans not to damage its buses after two of its vehicles were forced out of service because of Monday's disturbance, officials said.
Officials say Metro will immediately suspend service in any area impacted by civil disturbances, citing its past practices. Service will resume only when law enforcement deems it is safe to do so. The following bus lines may be impacted -- 18, 94, 102, 111, 224, 230, 233, 251, 260, 612, 720 and 761, according to Metro.
To avoid potential disruptions or detours, Metro is advising public transit users to ride Metro Rail and watch the ESPN or Univision telecast of
the game at a location near the Red, Purple, Blue, Expo, Green and Gold lines.
