Phillies’ Security to Subdue On-Field Fans After Taser Incident

May 6 (Bloomberg) -- The Philadelphia Phillies said fans entering the field of play at Citizens Bank Ballpark during games will be apprehended by team security and not police, a decision that came after a 17-year-old was subdued with a Taser.

The Phillies said in a statement that the policy applies to “ordinary circumstances” of field intrusion and that violators would be turned over to the Philadelphia police on the field for handcuffing and subsequent charging.

“If greater force is necessary, requiring the assistance of Philadelphia police in making the apprehension, such assistance will be employed,” the Phillies said.

The Phillies said they will continue to prosecute all fans who run onto the field during a game to the maximum extent of the law, which could include jail time of up to one year and a $2,500 fine.

During a May 3 game against the St. Louis Cardinals, a towel-waving fan eluded security while running in circles in the outfield at Citizens Bank Park for about 30 seconds. He was then subdued by a Philadelphia police officer who used his Taser stun gun.

Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey said video of the incident was reviewed and it was determined that the officer acted within department guidelines.

The fan, Steve Consalvi of Gilbertsville, Pennsylvania, has apologized for his “foolish act” and was charged with defiant trespass, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.

The following night, a 34-year-old man also ran onto the field of play during a game against the Cardinals as the crowd booed and some fans chanted “Tase him!” He was arrested and faces charges including marijuana possession, criminal mischief and disorderly conduct.

While Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell was among those to question the use of stun guns by police to subdue fans who run onto the field, many Major League Baseball players have said it’s an appropriate action, fearing for their safety.

“If you don’t want to get Tased, don’t go on the field,” Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright told reporters. “There’s absolutely nothing wrong with getting Tased if you’re on the field.”