Phillies Team Security Will Now Nab Field Jumpers
May 5, 2010
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Phillies team security will apprehend fans who jump on the field, unless more force is deemed necessary, the team announced Wednesday, two days after police used a Taser on a teenager dashing through the outfield.
The team said it made the decision in consultation with the Philadelphia Police Department after an officer used his stun gun Monday night on a 17-year-old at Citizens Bank Park.
"In ordinary circumstances involving field intrusion, the Phillies game day security personnel will make the apprehension of the field jumper and turn him over to the Philadelphia Police on the field for handcuffing and subsequent charging," the team said in a statement. Police officers will be called upon, the team said, only if more force is necessary.
Steven Consalvi, of Gilbertsville, Pa., jumped onto the field at the top of the eighth inning of Monday's game between the Phillies and the St. Louis Cardinals and ran around in circles in the outfield, waving a white towel and dodging two security officers. A city police officer chased him for about 30 seconds before his stun gun probe hit Consalvi.
Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey examined video of the arrest and determined that the officer acted within department guidelines, which allow officers to use Tasers on fleeing suspects. Consalvi is charged with defiant trespass, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.
