A 21-year-old Phillies fan has been arrested after he is said to have deliberately vomited on an off-duty police officer and the officer’s 11-year-old daughter at a game at Citizen’s Bank Park on Wednesday.
The officer, Easton Police Capt. Michael Vangelo, said that fellow spectator Matthew Clemmens became unruly after a friend was ejected from the game for off-color language and spitting. Vangelo said that he, a friend, and Vangelo’s three daughters endured several innings of swearing, spilling beer, and spitting from Clemmens and his unnamed friend. When Vangelo’s 15-year-old daughter requested that the young men stop cursing, they began spitting down at her from their seats.
Vangelo reported the “spitter” to ushers, who removed the man. After his friend was ejected, Vangelo says that Clemmons loudly stated that he was going to “be sick” before he visibly induced vomiting. Vangelo and one of his daughters were puked on by Clemmens, who went on to scuffle with police officers. Vangelo says Clemmens also vomited on one of the arresting officers.
“It was the most vile, disgusting thing I’ve ever seen,” said Vangelo, “and I’ve been a cop for 20 years.”
Clemmens, who lives in Cherry Hill, NJ, was arrested and charged after the incident with simple assault, aggravated assault, harassment, resisting arrest and related offenses.
