Astros fan arrested in alleged assault on Yankees supporter during ALCS game

James Dinkins, 73 James Dinkins, 73 Photo: Harris County District Attorney's Office Photo: Harris County District Attorney's Office Image 1 of / 29 Caption Close Astros fan arrested in alleged assault on Yankees supporter during ALCS game 1 / 29 Back to Gallery

A 73-year-old Astros fan faces a misdemeanor assault charge after allegedly hitting a Yankees supporter during a playoff game on Sunday.

James Warren Dinkins, a former justice of the peace in Montgomery County, is accused of slapping the opposing fan in the back of the head after an argument in their seats at Minute Maid Park, according to court records.

The man chastised the Yankees fan behind him when he clapped at an Astros player striking out in the eighth inning of the ALCS game, said Lea Menchaca, who said she witnessed the altercation in Section 105.

The former magistrate berated the young man for cheering, Menchaca said, and he apologized. As the fan spoke to his mother, grasping what had occurred, Dinkins turned around and slapped the man several times in a row, Menchaca said.

The young man and his mother left near the end of the game, which was tied, and an officer escorted Dinkins out of the section.

“It was just horrible,” Menchaca said. “I was glad that he got taken away.”

Surveillance video at Minute Maid Park caught the Sunday night confrontation, according to court documents.

“These allegations are troubling, as Houston is better than this,” said Harris County Assistant District Attorney Nathan Beedle, chief of the DA's office misdemeanor division. “We pride ourselves on hospitality, sportsmanship, and welcoming anyone from anywhere. All fans from all teams are always welcome in Houston.”

Dinkins, who declined to comment about the arrest, has been released from jail after posting $100 bond.

He was placed on probation for one year after pleading guilty in 2013 to a federal disaster fraud charge. Authorities said he tried to fraudulently obtain about $120,000 in disaster relief funds in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike.

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