Viral Field Invader William Hendon's Backflip Blunder: Judge Questions Arresting Officer's Perception

19-year-old William Hendon's daring field invasion at a Reds game, where he performed a backflip and got tased, has sparked controversy. Despite the arresting officer's claim that Hendon "landed that backflip," a video suggests otherwise, leading a judge to reduce the trespassing charge.

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Viral Field Invader William Hendon's Backflip Blunder: Judge Questions Arresting Officer's Perception

William Hendon, a 19-year-old Ohio State sophomore, has become an internet sensation after his audacious field invasion at Great American Ball Park on Tuesday night. The incident, which saw Hendon perform a backflip in front of a police officer and get promptly tased, has ignited a debate over the accuracy of the arresting officer's report.

According to jail records, Hendon was arrested and booked into the Hamilton County Jail in Ohio on felony criminal trespass and misdemeanor obstructing official business charges. The arresting officer's complaint alleged that Hendon "knowingly ran onto the Reds playing field during the game without permission to do so." An additional document accused him of impeding an officer's lawful duties when he tried to run from the officer.

Viral Field Invader William Hendon's Backflip Blunder: Judge Questions Arresting Officer's Perception

However, a video of the incident, widely circulated on social media, appears to contradict the officer's account. In the video, Hendon performs a backflip but stumbles upon landing. Despite the apparent video evidence, the arresting officer maintained that Hendon "landed that backflip."

Hendon appeared in court Wednesday morning, wearing the same Johnny Bench jersey he wore the previous night. Municipal Court Judge William Mallory questioned the officer's perception, stating, "Everybody thinks you landed that backflip." Hendon, who presented the video as evidence, correctly replied that he didn't land it.

Viral Field Invader William Hendon's Backflip Blunder: Judge Questions Arresting Officer's Perception

Mallory ultimately reduced Hendon's criminal trespassing count to a misdemeanor. Hendon pleaded not guilty to both charges.

Hendon's attorney, Larry Hawkins, argued that his client is a "good kid" who made a mistake and should not face felony charges. Hawkins also questioned the officer's training and experience in assessing whether Hendon landed the backflip.

Legal experts have weighed in on the case, suggesting that the video evidence could be crucial in determining the outcome. They note that the officer's observations may have been influenced by factors such as stress, adrenaline, and the speed of the incident.

The viral nature of the incident has sparked a debate about the appropriate response to field invasions and the accuracy of police reports. Some have criticized the arresting officer for using excessive force, while others have defended the officer's actions as necessary to maintain order.

Hendon's case is expected to proceed through the legal process in the coming months. The outcome of the trial could have implications for future field invasion cases and the interpretation of video evidence in law enforcement.

Fox News Digital will continue to follow the William Hendon case and provide updates as they become available. Stay tuned for the latest developments in this intriguing and controversial story.