Texas police use Mace on Air Jordan shoppers

Nike Air Jordan I, released in 1985. Michael Jordan's Nike line was the one brand that kids everywhere wanted. (screen grab / Nike, Inc.) Nike Air Jordan I, released in 1985. Michael Jordan's Nike line was the one brand that kids everywhere wanted. (screen grab / Nike, Inc.) Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Texas police use Mace on Air Jordan shoppers 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

FORT WORTH (AP) — Security officers at a Fort Worth mall used Mace to calm and disperse a crowd of hundreds of Air Jordan shoppers after they nearly trampled an off-duty officer.

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Fort Worth police spokesman Sgt. Pedro Criado told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram a crowd of more than 350 people at Hulen Mall wanted to buy a limited rerelease of red-and-black Nike Air Jordan sneakers. He says the crowd pushed through barricades, knocking down an off-duty officer who was working at the mall. Criado says the officer was nearly trampled and shot "a short burst" of Mace into the crowd.

Criado says the crowd quickly dispersed. No one was injured.

The sneakers cost between $150 to $200. Many stores are using a voucher system to avoid such crowd control problems.