FAIRFIELD, Ohio — Police arrested a 22-year-old man Wednesday during football practice at the Fairfield Alumni Stadium after he reportedly was threatening students in the parking lot, the Journal-News reported.
Joseph Mattia, of Hamilton, was charged with multiple counts of trespassing, menacing and disorderly conduct - all fourth-degree misdemeanors.
Police responded Wednesday afternoon to the stadium, 1579 Stadium Drive, after a 911 caller said there was a man who possibly had a firearm and was upset about something that had happened at the last football game.
Mattia did not possess a firearm, police said.
Mattia was allegedly upset about some interaction Fairfield students had had with members of his family, according to police. Fairfield played Hamilton on Friday in the opening round of the playoffs. Fairfield beat Hamilton 37-13.
An unidentified school official called police at 2:51 p.m. Wednesday at the request of head football coach Jason Krause, according to the caller.
“He’s yelling at people in our parking lot,” the caller said. “I don’t know if he has a gun. Our coaches are out there. I was just told to call. One of the athletes supposedly saw (a gun) in his car.”
The caller said Mattia came to the high school first.
No students were harmed, and the incident is still under information. Mattia is scheduled to appear in Fairfield Municipal Court on Nov. 27.
District spokeswoman Gina Gentry-Fletcher said the school is investigating Mattia’s alleged visit to the high school, but declined further comment.
“This is an active police investigation. As a result, it is not appropriate for the district to comment further,” she said.
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