A 48-year-old Minneapolis man could face assault charges after he allegedly dislocated the jaw of the youth basketball commissioner of the Burnsville Athletic Club's Boys In-House Basketball league during a game Saturday afternoon.

Burnsville Police Department spokesperson Sgt. Jef Behnken said six officers responded to a call about adults fighting shortly before 3 p.m. Saturday afternoon at a 10-12 year-old youth basketball tournament at Burnsville High School.

Jeff Shand of Burnsville, 50, was allegedly punched in the face by the Minneapolis man after the man hit a cell phone out of Shand's hand after Shand indicated he was going to call police regarding the parent's behavior.

"[The man] was at the high school watching his son play, and became upset because of something to do with time clock," Behnken said. "Right when the game was over, he walked out of court, calling the refs and coaches cheaters. That's when Shand walked up to him and told him to leave. He had his cell phone out, saying he would call the police. [The man] hit the phone out of his hand when Shand attempted the phone call, and he punched Shand. At that point, another adult intervened, and that adult got punched. Other adults fought back and tackled [the man] to ground with help from other parents."

The BAC issued this statement on its Web site Saturday:

"It is disheartening to have to report that BIHBB Commissioner Jeff Shand was assaulted by adult attendees at the basketball games today. Initial reports of a broken jaw have been downgraded to a jaw dislocation, concussion and dental damage. It's a case of the actions of a few spoiling the opportunities for the majority; however, this incident exposes the future operations of BAC and our basketball program to significant risk. BAC In House (RECREATIONAL) Basketball is not a guaranteed offering."

Behnken said that the Minneapolis man was taken into custody at the scene without incident and later released after being treated for his injuries. He was arrested for fifth-degree assault and interfering with a 911 call, and Behnken said charges could be filed as early as next week.

Current Rating: 0 of 0 votes!

Rate File: Select Rating: * ** *** ****