Coach Who 'Sucker-Punched' Umpire At Baseball Game Turns Himself In: Officials

BRANCHBURG, NJ — A coach who officials say punched a 72-year-old umpire in the face during a boys' baseball game in Branchburg turned himself in to police, the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office said Tuesday.

Jerry Otero, 40, of Staten Island was charged with third-degree aggravated assault and fourth-degree assault at a youth sports event, according to a news release from Acting Prosecutor Annmarie Taggart and Chief of County Detectives John W. Fodor.

Read more: Coach 'Sucker Punches' Umpire, Fractures Jaw In Branchburg: USABL

Otero is accused of punching the other man, a veteran umpire, during a 13U baseball game at White Oak Park on June 4, officials said. The umpire, who has more than 35 years of experience, has not been identified. He had a broken jaw and a concussion, officials said.

Otero came to Branchburg Police headquarters on Tuesday, June 21 to turn himself in, Taggart and Fodor said.

The U.S. Amateur Baseball League first reported the altercation on June 7 and said Otero had been drinking between innings.

The league said Otero was ejected from the game for arguing a call with the umpire, and then "sucker punched" the ump in the face. The older man's jaw was fractured in two places and had to be wired shut, and requires extensive dental surgery, according to USABL.