Streaking fan does a backflip, knocks cop’s hat off, gets shot with taser

In wild scenes, a streaking fan knocked off a cop’s hat while doing a backflip on the field before getting shot in the back with a taser.

A US baseball fan learned the hard way just how shocking it can be to run onto the field during a game.

Several videos and photos from inside the Reds’ home ballpark in Cincinnati showed a fan jumping onto the field in the ninth inning of a 5-3 loss and approaching Guardians centre fielder Tyler Freeman before he ran off and was eventually tased by authorities in the ballpark.

The fan approached Freeman and appeared to say something to the outfielder before running off with his hands lifted above his head and his index fingers pointed toward the night sky.

After getting several feet away from the Guardians outfielder, the fan stopped — maybe unaware that a police officer was closing in on him — and did a backflip, knocking the cop’s hat off in the process.

The officer tried to grab hold of the fan, but couldn’t maintain control and the Reds supporter in a Johnny Bench jersey once again started to run.

But the officer deployed his Taser and sent the fan face-first into the ground.

William Hendon completes a backflip wearing socks. Picture: Andy Lyons/Getty

Hendon enjoys his “15 minutes of fame”. Picture: Andy Lyons/Getty Images

Before it all came to a shocking end. Picture: Andy Lyons/Getty

The fan, later identified as 19-year-old William Hendon of Cleves, Ohio, was then surrounded by police, who lifted him to his feet and walked him off the field through one of the outfield bullpens.

Fox 19 in Cincinnati reported that police arrested Hendon on a charge of criminal trespass and obstructing official business. The charge was changed to a misdemeanour at the request of prosecutors.

After being booked late on Tuesday night and spending the night inside the Hamilton County Justice Center, Hendon appeared in court.

The judge reportedly complimented Hendon on his backflip, adding that he got his “15 minutes of fame” but is now banned at Great American Ball Park.

The Ohio State University student will return to court for a pre-trial hearing on July 3.

- with news.com.au

Originally published as Streaking fan does a backflip, knocks cop’s hat off, gets shot with taser