The man who could face felony assault charges for allegedly throwing a metal courtside chair into a brawling crowd at the Detroit Pistons-Indiana Pacers game put an end to week-long dragnet for him by having his attorney tell police who he was, Auburn Hills police said Monday.
Police would not identify him by name.
But, the said, he is a 34-year-old season ticket holder from Mundy Township, just south of Flint.
No charges have been filed against anyone involved in the Nov. 19 melee at the Palace of Auburn Hills, Lt. James Manning said. But, prosecutors expect them to be forthcoming for several spectators and some players. The Mundy man could face the most serious charge - felony assault, punishable by up to four years in prison if convicted, police said.
The man flung a chair that hit several people including a police officer and a 67-year-old man, according to witnesses.
Mundy Police did not know who the man was on Monday, but said they are eager to pick him up for Auburn Hills police.
"He's given us all a bad rap," said Chief David Guigear.
On Monday, detectives began a dragnet for the fan who was seen on videotape throwing a folding chair. Police appealed directly to the public for help. Police later offered a $1,000 reward for information leading to his arrest, Manning said. The Palace offered another $1,000.
Police officers also were on the look out at the arena during Friday's game for spectators possibly involved in the melee.
Manning said tips from callers produced several leads. On Saturday, Flint attorney Kenneth Karasick called police and confirmed the identity of his client. On Monday, Manning said, the attorney went to the Auburn Hills police station to talk to detectives.
Detectives are eager to talk to the man, Manning said.
Meanwhile, Manning said, Auburn Hills detectives expect to interview other spectators, including John Green, the man who allegedly threw the blue plastic cup at Pacers player Ron Artest and sparked the brawl. Green was not a season ticket holder, his attorney Shawn P. Smith said.
But, Smith said, Green could still be banned from the Palace for an indefinite period.
Palace officials have not decided whether they will revoke any season tickets from suspects, such as the Mundy man, or ban Green from the arena, said Palace spokesman Matt Dobeck. He did not know when a decision would be made, but said there was no rush because the next home game is not until Dec. 8.
Pacers players, however, have declined to be interviewed by police - and detectives are trying to determine if one of the spectators who allegedly hit players was Ben Wallace's brother, Manning said. He said investigation is expected to complete by the end of the week.
Oakland County Prosecutor David Gorcyca, who recognized Green as a former neighbor, identified Green.
Gorcyca has said he expects to bring assault and battery charges, a misdemeanor punishable by up to three months in jail, against spectators and players after he get the police report. Gorcyca also said spectators who threw cups and other things at players as they left the area also could be charged with misdemeanors under local ordinances.
freep.com<!-- endcontent -->
Police would not identify him by name.
But, the said, he is a 34-year-old season ticket holder from Mundy Township, just south of Flint.
No charges have been filed against anyone involved in the Nov. 19 melee at the Palace of Auburn Hills, Lt. James Manning said. But, prosecutors expect them to be forthcoming for several spectators and some players. The Mundy man could face the most serious charge - felony assault, punishable by up to four years in prison if convicted, police said.
The man flung a chair that hit several people including a police officer and a 67-year-old man, according to witnesses.
Mundy Police did not know who the man was on Monday, but said they are eager to pick him up for Auburn Hills police.
"He's given us all a bad rap," said Chief David Guigear.
On Monday, detectives began a dragnet for the fan who was seen on videotape throwing a folding chair. Police appealed directly to the public for help. Police later offered a $1,000 reward for information leading to his arrest, Manning said. The Palace offered another $1,000.
Police officers also were on the look out at the arena during Friday's game for spectators possibly involved in the melee.
Manning said tips from callers produced several leads. On Saturday, Flint attorney Kenneth Karasick called police and confirmed the identity of his client. On Monday, Manning said, the attorney went to the Auburn Hills police station to talk to detectives.
Detectives are eager to talk to the man, Manning said.
Meanwhile, Manning said, Auburn Hills detectives expect to interview other spectators, including John Green, the man who allegedly threw the blue plastic cup at Pacers player Ron Artest and sparked the brawl. Green was not a season ticket holder, his attorney Shawn P. Smith said.
But, Smith said, Green could still be banned from the Palace for an indefinite period.
Palace officials have not decided whether they will revoke any season tickets from suspects, such as the Mundy man, or ban Green from the arena, said Palace spokesman Matt Dobeck. He did not know when a decision would be made, but said there was no rush because the next home game is not until Dec. 8.
Pacers players, however, have declined to be interviewed by police - and detectives are trying to determine if one of the spectators who allegedly hit players was Ben Wallace's brother, Manning said. He said investigation is expected to complete by the end of the week.
Oakland County Prosecutor David Gorcyca, who recognized Green as a former neighbor, identified Green.
Gorcyca has said he expects to bring assault and battery charges, a misdemeanor punishable by up to three months in jail, against spectators and players after he get the police report. Gorcyca also said spectators who threw cups and other things at players as they left the area also could be charged with misdemeanors under local ordinances.
freep.com<!-- endcontent -->
