West Des Moines Police Charge Man for Allegedly Assaulting Umpire

A West Des Moines man faces an assault charge for allegedly shoving a softball umpire into a concession stand wall following an argument Saturday at Holiday Park.

The Des Moines Register reports that Thomas Kigin, 51, was charged with simple assault for reportedly approaching umpire Matthew Cromer, 22, of Lucas after a game as Cromer was picking up his paycheck at the park's concession stand.

Kigin did not immediately return a phone call from West Des Moines Patch seeking comment.

According to the , witnesses said Kigin appeared intoxicated while at the tournament hosted by the West Des Moines Girls Softball Association. He is listed on the association's website as the board's umpire coordinator in 2011.

The police report says that Kigin complained to Cromer about the speed at which he was umpiring the game. Cromer told the Register Kigin was upset because the games were behind schedule and it was raining.

Witnesses said the two argued during a game. Later, Kigin approached Cromer at the concession stand, reportedly grabbed Cromer’s shirt and pushed him against the wall, police said.

According to police, Kigin said Cromer had provoked him and the incident was blown out of proportion. An officer arrested Kigin at about 9:15 p.m. Saturday at his West Des Moines home.