Introduction to the Incident
Two firefighters in Maryland’s Montgomery County have been charged with malicious destruction of property and disorderly conduct after officials say one admitted to deliberately flooding a baseball field July 17.
Thousands of gallons of water from an engine at the station was deliberately sprayed onto the field, and a video showing a towering stream of water saturating the field went viral.
Cause of the Incident
One of the firefighters told police he was frustrated with baseballs leaving the field and damaging property at the adjacent fire station. According to a charging document filed in the case, Montgomery County Fire Capt. Christopher Reilly told two players who went to the station to complain, “I wanted to get your attention.” The document also states Reilly told officers with the Maryland National Capital Park Police he did it out of “frustration due to repeated incidents involving baseballs striking personal vehicles […]” and equipment.
Charges and Investigation
NBC Washington has also learned a second firefighter has been charged in connection with the field spraying. According to the charging document, firefighter Alan Barnes backed the engine out of the station on University Boulevard before removing the hose from the truck, while a video shows Reilly standing on top of the engine and spraying the field for approximately three minutes. Back in July, NBC Washington spoke with the head coach of the Thunderbolts, Brock Hunter. “I come from Virginia, the team we were playing is from Virginia, so a lot of families drove an hour and a half in traffic to hopefully play after all this rain and didn’t get a chance to play.” he said. “[…] It makes things difficult for us — a crazy experience”. The charging document also revealed paying fans had already started arriving for the game between two teams competing in the Cal Ripken league and had to be reimbursed when the game was canceled.
Aftermath and Charges
Both Barnes and Reilly declined to comment when reached by NBC Washington Monday. They each have a court date in October. A conviction for malicious destruction of property carries a sentence of up to three years in prison. NBC Washington reached out to Montgomery County Fire for comment about the charges and to find out the employment status of the two firefighters named in the court documents. A spokesperson said both firefighters have been removed from operation and placed on a non-public contact status.
Conclusion
The incident highlights the importance of finding constructive solutions to conflicts and the consequences of destructive actions. The charges against the firefighters serve as a reminder that actions have repercussions, and in this case, the repercussions are legal and professional. The community affected by the flooding of the baseball field will hopefully see justice served and measures put in place to prevent such incidents in the future.
FAQs
- Q: What were the charges against the Montgomery County firefighters?
A: The firefighters were charged with malicious destruction of property and disorderly conduct. - Q: Why did the firefighters flood the baseball field?
A: According to the charging document, one firefighter was frustrated with baseballs leaving the field and damaging property at the adjacent fire station. - Q: What is the potential sentence for malicious destruction of property?
A: A conviction for malicious destruction of property carries a sentence of up to three years in prison. - Q: What is the current employment status of the firefighters involved?
A: Both firefighters have been removed from operation and placed on a non-public contact status.
