Security needs to be at the parking lot of any stadium because sometimes fans can be angry that their team lost or they get drunk at the stadium. Fans should not have to go through what Rafael Reyna or Brian Stow went through when they were attacked at a stadium.
If this were to happen again, people will not attend the Dodger games and will watch the games on television either at home, at a restaurant or at a bar. Fans would not feel safe if they attend Dodger Stadium.
On March 29 or opening week of Major League Baseball, a 45-year-old man, identified by his family as Rafael Reyna, was leaving Dodger Stadium when he was brutally attacked by another fan in the parking lot.
The incident occurred at around 1 a.m., Los Angeles Police Department Sgt. Chris Gomez said, near the end of the Dodgers’ extra-innings game against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Rafael Reyna was in the hospital in serious condition related to head trauma from striking his head on concrete, Gomez said.
The Los Angeles Police Department said the incident began as an argument but quickly escalated. Reyna fell to the ground after he was punched.
No arrests were immediately made and no suspect descriptions were immediately available.
On Saturday night, the LAPD said the incident was being labeled an assault and was no longer considered an altercation.
Security was increased at Dodger Stadium after a series of violent incidents, including the beating of Giants fan Bryan Stow in 2011. Stow suffered severe brain damage.
Louie Sanchez and Marvin Norwood, ultimately pleaded guilty to beating Stow and were sent to federal prison. They also were ordered to pay a share of the $18 million judgment against the Dodgers.
LA Mayor Eric Garcetti said violence at the stadium is unacceptable.
Carl Douglas, the attorney for the family, says Rafael Reyna remains in intensive care at LAC+USC Medical Center on Tuesday. He says he is improving but is still in very serious condition. The attorney says they expect to file a lawsuit, believing that will be the only way to get answers.
The Dodgers say the LAPD is investigating the attack. The Dodgers are cooperating fully with the investigation.
Dodger fans should just have fun and enjoy the game. You can have your little drink, just control your emotions.
If the Dodgers lose, don’t get angry and attack another fan either in the stadium or outside at the parking lot. Take the loss as a man or a woman.