Chaos in LA streets as World Cup fans turn violent for Mexico-South Korea match

World Cup celebrations descended into chaos on Thursday night as rowdy Los Angeles fans took to the streets — leading to at least one shooting and and unruly mobs wreaking havoc.

The violence unfolded after hundreds of fans gathered near Seoul International Park in Koreatown for the Mexico-South Korea match.

Before Mexico claimed a 1-0 victory, a gunman who had been firing into the air shot a man in his 60s several times around 6:40 p.m. near Irolo Street and James M. Wood Boulevard a block from the park.

Police took the unidentified suspect into custody while the victim was transported to the hospital in unknown condition.

Fans were also spotted jumping on vehicles and setting off fireworks in the area, leading the LAPD to issue a tactical alert and form skirmish lines to disperse fans.

Police officers could be seen forming lines in the street and flag-waving fans stopped traffic.

Police would not confirm how many arrests occurred.

Elsewhere, a street takeover in the San Fernando Valley around 10 p.m. showed crazed fans blocking an intersection and doing dopnuts.

People could be seen cheering as smoke from screeching tires filled the air.

LA is playing host to eight World Cup games, with five still left.

Belgium will play Iran on April 21 and the U.S. will take on Turkey on April 21 before LA hosts two Round of 32 matches and a quarterfinal showdown.

---

Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters