:::: StreetGrooveMagazine.com ::::

One arrested: Nike cancels All-Star shoe release after near-riot in Orlando

Nike this morning canceled its All-Star shoe release after Thursday night's near riot at Orlando's Florida Mall, prompting disbelief among sometimes-agitated shoe collectors and investors who traveled from across the country to buy the limited-edition Nike Galaxy Foamposite. One person who was waiting in line to get into Foot Locker was arrested this morning for fighting and resisting deputies. "Our priority is the safety of the community," Nike said in a statement. Deputies with the Orange County Sheriff's Office are on scene now for crowd control. Would-be buyers who are still hanging out in the mall parking lot said they are not leaving because they don't believe Nike's statement. They say they are going to call Nike's bluff because they think the $220 shoes really will go on sale this morning at Foot Locker. "I don't even believe them," said 14-year-old Giovanni Mercado of Kissimmee. Foot Locker did not open as expected at 10 a.m. today, so some in the crowd are beginning to disperse. While the scene is calm now, deputies are ensuring things don't get out of control again. Earlier this morning, Orange County deputies moved the crowd away from the mall to a sidewalk after disgruntled customers began murmuring. With zip ties in hand, deputies yelled commands to defiant buyers. Police dogs were brought out and deputies put up a barricade. One deputy was heard threatening to pepper spray someone who got unruly. At one point, a group of people ran through the parking lot to the exterior door to Foot Locker in a failed attempt to get in before it opened. A few people were asked to leave after being threatened with arrest. But many are determined to get what they came for. "I'm not leaving here until I get something," said Luis Rivera, 15, of Kissimmee. Thousands of shoe buyers were told to leave the property last night after stampedes broke out and confusion seized the crowd of hopefuls. Alma Lopez, 63, was among the crowd of teens and 20-somethings booing angrily about Nike's statement. "I spent my night and morning here [Florida Mall] You should've seen that last night," she said. "This is a tragedy, I just want my KBs." Nike's statement, released through the Orange County Sheriff's Office, said it is canceling the sale at other Florida locations, including Pembroke Lakes Mall in South Florida, University Mall in Tampa, Southlake Mall and PG Plaza. More than 100 law-enforcement officers from the Sheriff's Office, the Orlando Police Department and Florida Highway Patrol responded to Florida Mall late Thursday because of an unruly crowd that got agitated when would-be buyers couldn't get their hands on the expensive new basketball shoe. The release was timed to Orlando's hosting of the NBA All-Star Game. The crowd was asked to wait across the street when the mall closed at 9 p.m., but one person made a mad dash toward the Foot Locker where the shoes were to go on sale, and hundreds followed to get the coveted shoe. Nike's website says the shoes that were to go on sale were part of the Nike All-Star collection, with a galactic theme inspired by space exploration. Their release was designed as a nod to Orlando and Florida's space industry. Several people said they coveted the limited-edition shoes for their resale value, which some estimated at up to 10 times or more than the retail price. After hearing about Nike's decision this morning, some would-be buyers gave up and went home. After Nike workers took down displays of Nike Galaxy Foamposite, Issac Contreras, 18, resigned himself to defeat. He decided to go home to Tampa after waiting since Tuesday. "I was upset but I kept my hopes up," he said. "Sneakerheads are just passionate." This is a developing story. Check back later for updates.