Celebrating in Chicago Begins Much Tamer Than Last Year

CHICAGO — Although police made about 100 arrests to clear streets and looting was reported at one intersection, most of the celebrating over the Bulls’ third consecutive NBA championship in this city Sunday night appeared to be peaceful.

There were horns honking, firecrackers popping and shouts of “Three-peat!” In the city’s near-north nightlife district, fans partied in the streets and danced and cheered between roadblocks before police on horseback began clearing the area.

In the district where rioters last year looted 340 businesses and injured 107 police officers, the crowd was relatively thin Sunday night.

Two officers sustained minor gunshot wounds and were listed in fair condition in Chicago-area hospitals, but officials did not know if the shootings were related to the celebrations.

In 1991, more than 100 people were arrested and dozens of stores looted, but it was last year’s rioting that led to extra precaution.

City officials said they were spending at least $1 million on police and on promotions aimed at preventing trouble.

The Chicago Police Department kept about 5,000 officers on patrol Friday, three times the usual number, but the Bulls foiled the plan by losing to the Suns and forcing a sixth game at Phoenix.

Police were out again in force on Sunday. Days off were canceled and police rode four to a squad car in some neighborhoods. Special units contributed 800 officers to patrol in uniform.

Illinois State Police were providing 300 officers, triple the usual daily contingent, and about 300 National Guardsmen were activated and more were on standby to help police.