Kenny Guido
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Mets fan pleads not guilty to trying to blind Atlanta players
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April 22, 2007, 2:04 PM EDT
NEW YORK -- A Mets fan pleaded not guilty Sunday to trying to temporarily blind an Atlanta Braves pitcher and shortstop with a high-powered flashlight during a game at Shea Stadium.
Frank Martinez, 40, of the Bronx, was arraigned in Queens criminal court on charges of interfering with a professional sporting event and second-degree reckless endangerment. He was held on $1,000 cash bail and is due back in court May 1.
Authorities said Martinez flashed the powerful light at the players in the bottom of the eighth inning Friday from his seat behind home plate. He was quickly ejected from the game.
"The defendant's alleged actions recklessly endangered the lives of players and spectators and caused a temporary delay to the game," Queens District Attorney Richard Brown said.
The hullabaloo began at about 10:15 p.m. as the Braves were leading the Mets 7-0. Tim Hudson was on the mound facing Mets pinch hitter Endy Chavez when, investigators said, Martinez turned the beam on the Braves pitcher and shortstop Edgar Renteria.
Renteria complained to umpire Paul Emmel, who then called time out and alerted security. The security officers removed Martinez and found a "a small, streamline flashlight" in his backpack, Brown said.
Martinez is being represented by the Legal Aid Society. Legal Aid spokeswoman Pat Bath said his attorney did not want to comment.
If convicted, Martinez faces up to a year in jail and a $5,000 fine.
The Braves won Friday's game 7-3.
April 22, 2007, 2:04 PM EDT
NEW YORK -- A Mets fan pleaded not guilty Sunday to trying to temporarily blind an Atlanta Braves pitcher and shortstop with a high-powered flashlight during a game at Shea Stadium.
Frank Martinez, 40, of the Bronx, was arraigned in Queens criminal court on charges of interfering with a professional sporting event and second-degree reckless endangerment. He was held on $1,000 cash bail and is due back in court May 1.
Authorities said Martinez flashed the powerful light at the players in the bottom of the eighth inning Friday from his seat behind home plate. He was quickly ejected from the game.
"The defendant's alleged actions recklessly endangered the lives of players and spectators and caused a temporary delay to the game," Queens District Attorney Richard Brown said.
The hullabaloo began at about 10:15 p.m. as the Braves were leading the Mets 7-0. Tim Hudson was on the mound facing Mets pinch hitter Endy Chavez when, investigators said, Martinez turned the beam on the Braves pitcher and shortstop Edgar Renteria.
Renteria complained to umpire Paul Emmel, who then called time out and alerted security. The security officers removed Martinez and found a "a small, streamline flashlight" in his backpack, Brown said.
Martinez is being represented by the Legal Aid Society. Legal Aid spokeswoman Pat Bath said his attorney did not want to comment.
If convicted, Martinez faces up to a year in jail and a $5,000 fine.
The Braves won Friday's game 7-3.