Detroit cops: We now know chair tosser
(Agencies)
Updated: 2004-11-30 09:15

Police believe they know the identity of the man who threw a chair in a brawl between players and fans during the Indiana-Detroit game on Nov. 19.

This image from video released by the Auburn Hills police department shows a man outlined in red in a red box identified by police as the person they believe threw a chair. [AP]

Police did not identify the man Monday, though they said he is a 35-year-old Pistons' season-ticket holder. He has not been interviewed and is not in custody. Police Lt. James Manning said police have met with the man's attorney.

The lawyer, Kenneth Karasick, did not immediately respond to a telephone message seeking comment.

The fight among spectators and players broke out near the end of the game after an on-court dispute over a foul. A fan hurled a drink at Indiana's Ron Artest, who then charged into the stands and began beating a man he thought had done it.

Other players and fans soon joined the brawl.

Oakland County Prosecutor David Gorcyca has said the man who threw the chair, which hit several people including a police officer, could be charged with felony assault. Other participants could be charged with misdemeanor assault and battery.

Detroit television stations repeatedly broadcast video footage of the fight that showed the man police said threw the chair in the hopes that someone would come forward with his identity.

Separately, Manning said Auburn Hills detectives were informed by a lawyer for the Pacers that none of the players would participate in police interviews.

Manning said the investigation could be forwarded to prosecutors by the beginning of next week.

The NBA suspended Artest for the season, Stephen Jackson for 30 games and Jermaine O'Neal for 25. Six players were suspended for one to six games.

Close

Today's Top News     Top Sports News
ASEAN tariff-cut pact steps toward free trade         Three-way dialogue goes win-win         "Income gap" tops senior officials' concerns         Al Qaeda's Zawahri says will keep fighting US         Death toll rises to 50 in Shaanxi mine blast         China questions dollar slide	Arsenal's Vieira ruled out of Chelsea crunch       Thierry, Ronny, Shev up for award       Detroit cops: We now know chair tosser       China wins two golds at World Cup short track speedskating       Ronaldo leads Real in rout       Yang Yang (A) wins 2nd World Cup gold