The scrappy skirmish that broke out on an Irvine soccer field last month has kicked up more than just turf. Cops have now collared one of the suspected hotheads, Erick Gomez, 30, linked to the sports scuffle that occurred at the Great Park after a game between Club Garrafones and Irvine Zeta FC II. The Irvine Police Department, on the hunt since the October melee, confirmed that detectives identified and apprehended Gomez in Los Angeles during a Tuesday soccer match as posted on their Facebook page.
Gomez, who hails from Los Angeles, is now facing the prospect of substantial time on the sidelines, with the boys in blue asking the District Attorney to slap him with felony assault and battery charges. Though one player has been taken off the field, the police whistle has yet to blow on this case.
The altercation kicked off on Saturday, October 21, following a match between the soccer squads, both teams contending in the United Premier Soccer League. According to the Irvine Police Department's social media, they are looking for assistance from anyone who can help identify the men who may have crucial details about the fracas that unfolded. Citizens with tips are encouraged to shoot an email to the listed contact, [email protected], as the investigation dribbles on.
