Phillies Security Will Handle Field Jumpers

Police will only be asked to step in if the situation becomes dangerous

In response to the tasering of a 17-year-old fan who jumped the field on Monday, the Phillies have announced security staff will handle such situations in the future.

Steve Consalvi bypassed two security staffers and made a mad dash for the outfield during Monday night's game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Citizens Bank Park.

The Gilbertsville, Pa. teen ran in circles for about 30 seconds until a Philadelphia Police officer fired a Taser into the his back, bringing him to the grass in front of 43,000 fans.

Consalvi's tasering has become a topic of national discussion as people debate the stun gun's use as means to bring fans under control.

The teen's parents both admonished what their son did, but they felt the Taser was going too far.

"I think it was uncalled for -- he wasn't doing anything wrong, he wasn't drunk, he wasn't on drugs," Wayne Consalvi told NBC Philadelphia Tuesday.

Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell agreed saying "there's no need to use Tasors on fans."

But Philadelphia Police Comm. Charles Ramsey stood behind the officer, saying they were unsure at the time what the fan planned on doing.

Immediately after the incident, the Phillies said they were in talks with police to discuss whether the Taser is an appropriate force in field jumping cases.

In a statement Wednesday, the team said they will only ask for police assistance if the situation becomes dangerous.

"It has been agreed that in ordinary circumstances involving field intrusion, the Phillies game day security personnel will make the apprehension of the field jumper and turn him over to the Philadelphia Police on the field for handcuffing and subsequent charging.  If greater force is necessary, requiring the assistance of Philadelphia Police in making the apprehension, such assistance will be employed."

Copycat field jumper Tom Betz wasn't tasered when he interrupted play during Tuesday night's game. He was apprehended without the help of police.

Consalvi's parents have apologized for the incident. His mom says the teen was watching Tuesday's game and yelled in disbelief when Betz ran past security.

"My son was not setting a standard for other people to follow in his footsteps," Amy Ziegler said. "Whether an adult or a child, its wrong."

Betz, 34, faces misdemeanor marijuana possession charges in addition to trespassing and others. He's still in jail.

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