The video of the Cincinnati Reds fan pitch invader William Hendon has gone viral
If you’re using social media platforms like X/Twitter and Reddit, chances are you must have encountered a viral video where a Cincinnati Reds can be seen tasered by a police officer.
For the unfamiliar, an acrobatic Cincinnati Reds fan got more than he bargained for after running onto the field at Great American Ballpark on Tuesday night.
Who is William Hendon as video of Cincinnati Reds fan pitch invader getting tasered by police during game goes viral
During a baseball game in Cincinnati, William Hendon ran onto the pitch⚾
He initially evaded police with antics including a backflip, before being tasered.
Latest: https://t.co/VYTMFBB41U pic.twitter.com/V1gtEEtCBK
— Sky News (@SkyNews) June 13, 2024
Who is William Hendon as video of Cincinnati Reds fan pitch invader getting tasered by police goes viral on Twitter/X
The fan, who performed a backflip in front of a police officer, was promptly tasered and arrested. The Incident occurred during the 9th inning of a game between the Reds and Cleveland Guardians on June 11, 2024.
Identity of the Cincinnati Reds fan
The acrobatic Cincinnati Reds fan who was shocked with a Taser by the police official as he tried to flee after performing a flip is identified as 19-year-old William Hendon.
William Hendon is a certified Cincy legend #cincinnati #reds #billybackflips pic.twitter.com/xNUJeivB45
— Michael Turner (@TurnerComedy_) June 12, 2024
Though Hendon attempted to flee from the field, the officers caught him. The entire incident was captured on video which is now being circulated across social media platforms.
Charges Against William Hendon
As per media reports, Hendon was booked into the Hamilton County Jail on charges of felony criminal trespass and misdemeanor obstructing official business. He was held overnight without bond.
However, on Wednesday, the felony charge was reduced to a misdemeanor at the request of prosecutors.
William Hendon for Ruler of the Jungle @Bengals pic.twitter.com/1Ro9gYKN47
— Eli Pence (@EliPence) June 13, 2024
During his court appearance before Hamilton County Municipal Court Judge William Mallory, Hendon, still wearing his Johnny Bench Reds jersey, pleaded not guilty and was released on his recognizance.
What Did the Police Say?
A pre-trial hearing is scheduled for July 3. A police report stated that Hendon, a student at Ohio State University, “did knowingly run onto the Reds playing field during the game without permission to do so.”
Cincinnati police are reviewing the actions of the officer who used the Taser, which they described as routine.
Lt. Jonathan Cunningham said in a prepared statement, “As with any instance of use of force, this incident will be investigated by CPD’s policies and procedures.
“The officers’ quick response allowed the game to continue uninterrupted for the players and fans in attendance.”
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