Los Angeles Dodgers owner, Frank McCourt, joined Los Angeles Mayor, Antonio Villaraigosa, and Los Angeles Police Chief, Charlie Beck, at a news conference today to unveil a new hard-line policy against disruptive fans. Mayor Villaraigosa said,” violence will not be tolerated” and that “public safety is number one.”
Police Chief Beck praised the Dodger organization eagerness to embrace all of a series of new security recommendations, among them,” increased LAPD presence” at all Dodger games, no drinking in the parking lots, improved lighting, and close security TV.
Dodger owner Frank McCourt announced the new security measures would be in place for the next home game, Thursday, April 14. McCourt called the recent attack on San Francisco Giant fan, Bryan Stow, at Dodger Stadium “criminal behavior” and not the actions of true Dodger fans.
Stow was viciously beaten after the season opening game between the Giants and Dodgers on Thursday, March 31. The paramedic and father of two suffered a brain injury and is in a coma. A $100,000 reward is being offered in the case involving two male suspects. The Los Angeles Times website has sketches of the suspects, along with more details on the new crackdown on unruly fans and troublemakers.
Also, the Dodgers put out a press release today about a fundraiser for Bryan Stow and his children, on Monday, April 11. Several organizations will be on hand to help collect donations at a “drive-through” event for a Bryan Stow trust fund. The event will be held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. in parking lot 1 of Dodger Stadium.
The Bryan Stow Fund is accepting donations at www.sfpcu.org as well.
