Cherry Hill man charged in sickening display at ballpark
Inquirer Staff Report
A Cherry Hill man has been arrested after triggering a disturbance when he deliberately vomited on the 11-year-old daughter of police officer during a Phillies Game at Citizens Bank Park, police said.
Philadelphia Police said Matthew R. Clemens, 21, of the unit block of Hassemer Avenue, was charged with simple assault, reckless endangerment, harassment, disorderly conduct and related offenses.
Clemmens was held on $36,000 bail on three complaints containing 15 counts of the different offenses.
Police said the incident started during Wednesday night's Phillies game against the Nationals.
Clemmens and a friend were sitting behind Easton Police Capt. Michael Vangelo and his two daughters, officials said.
The pair were rowdy - cursing, spitting and spilling beer, police said.
When Vangelo complained to an usher, Clemmens' friend was escorted out the stadium, police said.
That did not stop Clemmens, police said. He kept it up and then announced he was going to throw up.
Vangelo told police he turned to see Clemmens with his fingers down his throat before vomiting on the 11-year-old.
Clemmens then punched Vangelo in the side of the head, prompting two witnesses, including an Easton police lieutenant, to jump in to restrain Clemmens, officials said.
One of the witnesses punched Clemmens in the face before he gave up the struggle, police said.
Vangelo told the Daily News he restrained himself from hitting Clemmens because he feared getting arrested.
"I kept thinking, 'If I get arrested, my kids will be alone here," the police captain said.
