By NATE KING
Salina Post
A Mulvane man was arrested on Friday night after a physical altercation with police and security personnel at Salina Central Stadium following the Salina South vs. Maize South football game.
According to Salina Police Department (SPD) Captain James Feldman at approximately 9:30 p.m., a school resource officer and a security guard were called to remove an adult spectator from the game due to disruptive behavior.
"A Salina South High School resource officer was approached by Salina South High staff wanting an adult fan from from Maize South removed from the game due to his behavior in the stands," Feldman said.
The suspect, later identified as Jonathan Cordova, 43, of Mulvane, initially complied with the request to leave the stadium but refused to vacate the property entirely, stating he needed to wait for someone.
Feldman could not provide details on the specific behavior that led to Cordova's removal from the stadium. Salina Post asked USD 305 to provide details regarding the incident.
USD 305 issued the following statement, "Salina Public Schools employees prioritize creating a safe and enjoyable environment at our athletic events. Our administrators have always asked anyone who isn’t abiding by these guidelines to leave."
USD 305 did not say what behavior led to Cordova being asked to leave the stadium.
"He [Cordova] was told again to leave, and then refused and proceeded to take steps towards the school resource officer," Feldman said. "The school resource officer went to apprehend Mr. Cordova when he pulled away and ended up striking the officer."
Cordova struck the resource officer multiple times in the head and also punched the security guard, who is 63 years old. The resource officer, a 38-year-old female, sustained a contusion above her left eye and the security guard suffered a head injury.
Attempts to subdue Cordova with a taser were initially unsuccessful, but after a second deployment, the taser was effective and he was taken into custody.
Cordova was booked into the Saline County Jail and faces charges of battery on a law enforcement officer, battery on a security guard, criminal trespass, and disorderly conduct.
Salina Post will update this story as new information becomes available. If you were a witness to the above incident and have information regarding what took place prior, please contact Salina Post at [email protected]