Brock Ballou (Image Via Getty)
An MLB umpire was attacked and robbed in Philadelphia just before a big game series, and the incident has now raised safety concerns. Brock Ballou was targeted on Thursday, April 9, in Center City.
According to CBS News Philadelphia, a man came up from behind and grabbed his phone while he was checking directions on Walnut Street.What followed quickly turned serious. Ballou tried to chase the man and get his phone back, but it led to a physical fight. Police say he was punched several times and fell to the ground, hitting his head. Even with the shock of the incident, Ballou was back on the field the very next day, showing up for duty during the Philadelphia Phillies vs Arizona Diamondbacks series.
Brock Ballou assault details in Philadelphia as second attack reported within minutes, police continue investigation
The attack happened around the 1600 block of Walnut Street. Captain Jason Smith from police shared clear details while speaking to CBS News Philadelphia. He said, “The suspect approached the male and snatched his cellphone out of his hands.”Ballou ran after him, but the situation got worse. Captain Smith added, “The victim went chasing after the male, at which time they got involved in a physical altercation at 16th and Walnut.”
During that struggle, things turned violent. “They ended up on the ground, at which time the victim struck his head, causing injury. The male continued his assault, violently punching him.”The suspect eventually ran away and did not keep the phone. Police later confirmed that someone nearby returned the phone to Ballou. Thankfully, his injuries were not serious.What makes this case more worrying is that Ballou was not the only victim that evening.
Police believe the same suspect attacked another person just about 30 minutes earlier. That first incident happened at a 7-Eleven store on Chestnut Street.According to police, the suspect walked into the store, tried to steal items, and then punched an employee multiple times when confronted. After that, the person ran away from the store as well.Even after going through all this, Ballou stayed focused on his job. He worked as first base umpire the next night and later stood behind home plate as the Diamondbacks won the series 2-1.Police are still searching for the suspect. Anyone with information has been asked to contact the Philadelphia Police Department.
