Phillies Fan Tasered, Soon To Be Classic Photo Included

[Safetyhit]

Updated FOX article:

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A police officer used a Taser gun to apprehend a fan who ran onto the field during a Phillies game Monday night, and the team and the police are investigating whether it was an appropriate use of force.

The fan, wearing a baseball cap, red T-shirt and khaki shorts, hopped a fence and scurried around the outfield, eluding two security officers in the bottom of the eighth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals. One officer used a Taser and the fan went down in a heap. Several Phillies placed gloves over their faces and appeared to be stifling laughter at the wild scene.

Phillies spokeswomen Bonnie Clark said the police department is investigating the matter and discussing with the team whether using the stun gun was appropriate.

Police spokesman Lt. Frank Vanore told The Philadelphia Inquirer police internal affairs will open an investigation to determine if the firing "was proper use of the equipment."

Vanore was not made available to The Associated Press when a call was placed to the police department's public affairs office late Monday night.

The teams said it's the first time a Taser has been used by police to apprehend a spectator who ran onto the field.

The fan was 17-year-old male and he will be charged with criminal trespass and related offenses, the team said. The Phillies did not release his name because he is a juvenile.


http://www.foxnews.com/sports/2010/0...running-field/

[Belmont31R]

He broke the law.

He was resisting arrest.

That's generally sufficient to justify the tase.

What was he under arrest for?


ETA: Read the article just posted.

[6933]

Annnnnnd we're off!

[four]

I'm not trying to be smart, but is running on to the field during a game actually against the law?

it's not smart, I agree, but this seems similar to the old saw about suicide being against the law. Inadvisable, but not illegal.

[subzero]

Non-compliance means you ride the lightning.

I'm not a big fan of the idea, but anyone who runs up against an LEO in this day and age has to know that's a likely consequence.

[orionz06]

There was a steeler a few years back who body slammed a browns fan who ran onto the field. It is pretty ironic that a philly fan and a cleveland fan get pummeled and tazed.

[signal4l]

That would be a good use of the Taser in my department. Much less chance of injury than the grab and slam approach.

[rubberneck]

I'm not trying to be smart, but is running on to the field during a game actually against the law?

it's not smart, I agree, but this seems similar to the old saw about suicide being against the law. Inadvisable, but not illegal.

In NY it is a misdemeanor to trespass on the playing surface of a major sporting event. IIRC the penalty is up to a year in jail and a $5000 fine.

[Rated21R]

that is too funny. got what he deserved.

[madisonsfinest]

It will obviously be up to the policies of the department involved in this incident. Departments differ in policy in re guards to the application of the taser, some are more restrictive than others.