Guns N' Roses Rioters May Face Charges

[Big-O Mark]

Guns N' Roses Rioters May Face Charges

02.20.2003 1:10 PM EST

Nine people allegedly involved in a Vancouver riot spurred by the sudden cancellation of Guns N' Roses' tour kickoff in November may face criminal charges.

Vancouver police recommended to prosecutors that charges of mischief and participating in unlawful assembly be filed against three adults and six youths believed to have played a part in a melee at the GM Place that caused more than $264,000 in damages resulting from smashed doors and thrown rocks and bottles. The police report was sent to prosecutors Tuesday, a police spokesperson said.

The identity of the suspects was derived from information sent to a Vancouver police Web site that last month posted 47 images of the rioters taken from photos and videos seized by police (see "Police Use Web Site To ID Guns N' Roses Rioters").

Four of the six youths are from Chilliwack, located 60 miles from Vancouver, and the adults are from North Vancouver.

The first North American Guns N' Roses tour in more than nine years was set to kick off November 7 in Vancouver. As thousands of fans gathered outside the venue, a "show cancelled" notice that was posted on the door about 90 minutes before Axl and company were scheduled to take the stage prompted an angry mob to form (see "Fans Riot After Guns N' Roses Tour Kickoff Canceled: Kurt Loder Reports").

After a prosecutor's investigation of the evidence, formal charges may be filed in the next few weeks.

—Joe D'Angelo