Somerset County officials announced the arrest of Jerry Otero, age 40, Staten Island, New York, for punching an umpire during a 13U little league baseball game in Branchburg Township.
Prosecutor Annmarie Taggart stated that on June 4, at approximately 8:08 p.m., Branchburg Township Police officers were dispatched to White Oak Park for a report of an assault upon an umpire.
According to Prosecutor Taggart, upon their arrival, Officers were told by bystanders that the suspect had left the park prior to their arrival.
Officers also spoke with the victim, a 72-year-old male umpire who was bleeding from the mouth.
Prosecutor Taggart said that the victim told officers that while umpiring a little league baseball game, he ejected one of the coaches for using foul language.
The victim told the officers that the coach, who was later identified as Jerry Otero, punched him on the left side of his face.
According to Prosecutor Taggart, as a result of the follow-up investigation conducted by Branchburg Township detectives, it was later determined that after receiving medical treatment, the victim had sustained a fractured jaw and concussion from being struck.
Prosecutor Taggart stated that on June 21, at approximately 8:30 a.m. Jerry Otero turned himself in to detectives at the Branchburg Township Police Department. Defendant Otero was charged with Aggravated Assault and Assault at a Youth Sports Event.
Somerset County officials request anyone with information relating to this incident to contact the Branchburg Township Police Department at (908) 526-3830.
All anonymous Crime Stopper tips will be kept confidential.