KYTX CBS 19 Tyler Longview News Weather SportsAir Jordans cause massive riots across the U.S.

Air Jordans cause massive riots across the U.S.

Posted: Updated:

INDIANAPOLIS (KYTX) -- Shoppers were trampled in Indianapolis during an early morning dash to the mall. They were racing to get a pair of just released "Air Jordans.

Malls struggled with crowd control as the sneakers went on sale. In Pineville, North Carolina, dozens of officers were called in to break up fights between customers who stood in line overnight.

In Tukwila, Washington, mall security pepper sprayed a brawling crowd and hundreds ran through the doors in Stockton, California; pressed against the glass as the crowd pushed through.

But for many shopping centers across the U.S., the long lines cleared up without any problems as eager customers waited their turn to pick up the $180 pair of shoes.

The shoe line brings about $1 billion each year.

Nike introduced the line in 1985 and there was some violence back then when the shoes first arrived in stores.