A dispute over a “controversial” call by a 13-year-old umpire at a 7-year-olds’ Little League Game sparked a literal knock-down, drag-out brawl among adults on the field, video of which has gone viral and prompted a police investigation, particularly for one guy who was throwing haymakers at other combatants.
The incident took place at the baseball field at Westgate Elementary School in Lakewood, Colorado on June 15, the Lakewood Police Department reported in a tweet Tuesday that includes video of several men at the game exchanging punches while others attempt to break up the rapidaly escalating brawl.
The police department engaged in some unsubtle shaming in their release of the footage, stressing that those involved are “adults.” The department also noted that they are particularly interested in any information on a guy in a white shirt and teal shorts who can be seen repeatedly punching people. “Several” of the others have already been cited, the department stated.
“These adults took over the field and began assaulting each other on 6/15 during a youth baseball game,” Lakewood PD posted Tuesday. “We’re looking for any info, in particular to ID the man in the white shirt/teal shorts. Several people have already been cited in this fight and injuries were reported.”
CBS Denver has since provided more details on the incident, noting that police say the melee all started over a 13-year-old umpire saying one of the kids batted out of order.
Police told the outlet that thus far four people have been cited for disorderly conduct and fighting in public.
“It’s something that people are gawking at and there’s shock value, but its serious serious things that happened during a youth baseball game,” Lakewood Police spokesman John Romero told CBS Denver.
The department stressed that it’s “a 7-year-olds’ baseball game,” and that they’re simply “asking the parents to grow up.”
“Parents shouldn’t be acting like that,” agreed Concepción Rivera, whose son plays in the league. “It’s a game, it should be fun.”
