The Denver police have detained the spectators who approached Atlanta Braves OF Ronal Acua Jr. on the field during Monday’s game between the Atlanta Braves and the Colorado Rockies.
According to Y! sports, the two men, identified as Carlos Rivelo-Paiz, 21, and Jefferson Gonzales-Merida, 23, were detained for entering Coors Field without authorization after making physical contact with a player, the Denver Police Department said in a statement to USA TODAY Sports. For trespassing and disturbing the peace, the two suspects, who are both from Denver, were detained and put in jail.
An unknown juvenile male third person also briefly entered the field before returning to the stands, according to the police. The child was arrested by Coors Field security and issued a trespassing ticket.
How did the Atlanta Braves OF Ronal Acua Jr. fare?
The incident happened in the middle of Atlanta’s 14-4 victory at Coors Field’s seventh inning. One individual was captured on camera approaching Atlanta Braves OF Ronal Acua Jr. and putting his arm around him from the outfield stands. Before a third security guard arrived and was able to remove the person from the Braves star, two security guards had been trying to pry the person away from the player.
READ ALSO: NFL Draft Max Duggan: Chargers Part Ways With Rosy Rookie Quarterback
Soon after, another fan approached the Atlanta Braves OF Ronal Acua Jr. and attempted to reach out to him before being pushed away by a security guard. A fourth security guard then assisted in taking down the second fan on the field after knocking down Atlanta Braves OF Ronal Acua Jr. Acua’s teammates rallied to his side as security attempted to escort the suspects off the field and the suspects could be seen attempting to flee.
What was said about the incident by Atlanta Braves OF Ronal Acua Jr.?
According to the article published by Bleacher Report, Atlanta Braves OF Ronal Acua Jr. admitted to reporters after the game that he was initially “a little scared” when the suspects approached him, but he was unharmed.
“I believe that the fans were present and requesting photos. Security was able to arrive at the scene, and everything turned out fine. “We’re all OK and I hope they’re OK,” he said. “I really couldn’t say anything because at that point, they were already there and we were already kind of tangled up.
Even though Braves manager Brian Snitker claimed he was in the restroom when the incident occurred, he said you never want to see that kind of incident.
It’s a scary situation because you never know what people will do once they are outside, according to Snitker.
“No way is it appropriate for people to leave the stands, much less to put their hands on someone else,” said outfielder Kevin Pillar.
READ ALSO: Team USA Struggles Continue As Brandon Ingram Voices Frustration: ‘It’s Challenging At The Moment