'Everybody thinks you landed that backflip': Reds fan taken down by taser on GABP field appears in court
We're learning more about the fan who stole all of the attention at Tuesday night's Reds game when he rushed the field.
The moment went viral after the man was taken down by a security guard with a taser.
Court documents identify the suspect as William Hendon, 19.
A view captured Hendon, who was wearing a Johnny Bench jersey, running onto the field at Great American Ball Park late in Tuesday night's game.
Hendon approached a Cleveland Guardians outfielder before heading toward the infield. After running several dozen feet, Hendon stopped and did a successful backflip. About two seconds later a police officer used a taser on Hendon to bring him down and end the incident.
Brody Walcott was at the game Tuesday. He, like a lot of Reds fans, was caught off guard by what Hendon did.
"I was talking to my mom, actually, and he - I saw him run out on the field and he did a back flip and got tased," Walcott said. "It was weird. I wish I recorded it, but I didn't."
"First you know, I was like, 'Oh, this is really hilarious,'" Tan Boston said.
Boston is a professor of law at Northern Kentucky University. Her reaction to seeing what Hendon did on the field mirrored much of what Reds fans were saying before the team's game against the Guardians on Wednesday night.
"My second thing was like, 'Oh no. He's going to go viral.' But then he's going to be in a situation that he probably didn't reckon that he would be in," Boston said. "These types of things, they seem fun, maybe in the moment, but at the end of the day there's going to be consequences. And unfortunately, our super fan found out what those would be this morning."
Boston is referring to Hendon's first court appearance on Wednesday morning. His moves on the field were a key part of his conversation with Judge William Mallory.
"Hi, Mr. Hendon. How are you?" the exchange began. "Have you seen any of that video that people captured?"
"I have not, no," Hendon answered.
"[There are] Quite a few," Mallory said.
"Yeah, that's what I've heard," Hendon replied.
"Everybody thinks you landed that back flip," said the judge.
"Pretty sure I did," Hendon said, as laughter followed in the courtroom.
Hendon has been charged with two misdemeanor counts: criminal trespass and obstructing official business.
He pleaded not guilty.
Judge Mallory released Hendon from custody, pending his next court appearance on July 3. The judge also ordered Hendon to stay away from Great American Ball Park.
Hendon's attorney says his client is an incoming sophomore at Ohio State, adding he's on the Dean's List.
On Wednesday afternoon, Cincinnati police issued a statement on the incident, saying in part "As with any instance of use of force, this incident will be investigated in accordance with CPD's policies and procedures. The officers' quick response allowed the game to continue uninterrupted for the players and fans in attendance."