VALENCIA, Calif. (AP) — A Los Angeles Dodgers fan sued the team on Tuesday, alleging he was roughed up by security guards and broke an ankle during a game last year while trying to use the bathroom.
Daniel Antunez, 31, is seeking $2 million in a lawsuit that contends six to 10 security guards jumped him during a Dodger Stadium game against the Marlins last April 24, KCBS-TV reported . The lawsuit follows criticism of Dodger security earlier this month after a man was attacked while leaving a March 29 game. Previously, a 2011 assault drew national attention and led to increased security at the stadium.
Antunez’s lawsuit said he went to the game with a woman who accidentally spilled beer on another fan. The irate fan called security and Antunez’s friend was asked to leave.
According to the negligence and battery lawsuit, Antunez said he accompanied her but on the way out, he tried to use a restroom and was grabbed by security, who had told him to use another restroom much farther away.
Cellphone and surveillance video shows a number of security personnel grabbing Antunez while his friend yells: “Hey! He’s going to the restroom!”
Antunez wound up on the ground. He ended up with bruises and a fractured ankle. Antunez eventually was handcuffed and taken from the stadium in a wheelchair.
Several screws were implanted to repair the break, said his attorney, Peter diDonato.
“(It) hurts him when it’s cold (or when) he stands for a long period of time. These are permanent injuries,” the attorney told KCBS-TV.
The Dodgers declined to comment on the lawsuit.
Dodger security was criticized earlier this month for not doing enough to keep fans safe.
Rafael Reyna’s skull was fractured when he was punched and knocked down in the Dodger Stadium parking lot during an argument while leaving a March 29 game between the team and the Arizona Diamondbacks.
On April 2, attorneys for Reyna accused the team of failing to do enough to improve security since a similar attack occurred eight years earlier.
Giants fan Bryan Stow was assaulted by Dodger fans in the same lot on March 31, 2011. His brain was severely damaged and he was left disabled. The assault drew national attention and led to increased security at the stadium.
Two fans, Louie Sanchez and Marvin Norwood, ultimately pleaded guilty to beating Stow and were sent to federal prison. They also were ordered to pay a share of an $18 million judgment against the Dodgers.
© Copyright 2019 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
