LOS ANGELES (AP) - An overcrowded theater and an invitation to a block party ended with an out-of-control crowd swarming Hollywood Boulevard outside a film premiere, leading to a clash with police in riot gear and closure of the famous street.
Some people threw bottles, vandalized cars and several hundred refused orders to disperse after they were forced to leave Grauman's Chinese Theatre for a screening of a documentary about an electronic music festival Wednesday night, authorities said.
The turmoil erupted after a Los Angeles Fire Department inspector determined the theater was overcrowded, department spokesman Brian Humphrey said.
Police estimated about 2,000 people were inside the theater to catch the premiere of a documentary about the Electric Daisy Carnival rave. An unknown number of people were pushed out into the streets, joining a growing crowd that may have been drawn to the event from a Twitter message by a popular DJ known as Kaskade who said there'd be an accompanying block party.
Officers ordered hundreds of people to disperse, but the crowd refused and began throwing objects, Officer Karen Rayner said. Additional officers were called to the scene and were able to control the crowd several hours later.
"There were people trampling all over the police cars, smashing the windows," said Greg Magda, who works at a coffee shop on Hollywood Boulevard.
Two people were arrested for investigation of felony vandalism; three police cars were damaged, Rayner said. No injuries were reported.
A section of Hollywood Boulevard was shut down and a subway station under the famous theater and the next-door Hollywood & Highland entertainment complex was closed during the disturbance.