South Jersey Man Throws Punch Over Game Call At Little League Complex: Police

FRANKLINVILLE, NJ — A man was charged after throwing a punch last week over a game call at a Little League field, according to Franklin Township police.

Dillon Smith got into a verbal argument with another adult over a call at a major-division playoff game Tuesday evening at the Franklin Township Little League Complex, according to authorities. The victim was treated on-scene and then later at the hospital for facial injuries.

Smith, 30, of Williamstown, was initially charged with simple assault, but officials upgraded the charge to aggravated assault.

It's not the first time adults' tempers have flared over calls at Little League games in Gloucester County. Two Deptford Little League umpires quit early this season over alleged verbal abuse from fans. In response, the league passed a rule that unruly or abusive spectators must umpire three games under an official umpire's supervision before they can return as a fan.

In Franklinville, the argument and ensuing assault occurred after the game ended, police said. By the time law enforcement received word of the incident at 8:09 p.m., the suspect fled in his vehicle, according to authorities. But an alert spectator relayed the vehicle's identifying info to police.

Shortly after, officers apprehended Smith at his Williamstown home. He was placed in the Salem County Jail.

Smith was initially charged with fourth-degree simple assault, which becomes a felony for incidents in the presence of children younger than 16 at a community-sponsored youth-sporting event.

His charge has since been upgraded to aggravated assault — an offense that typically entails attempts to inflict serious bodily harm.