Homeless man threatened a youth football game with a hatchet

SAN ANTONIO, TX – A youth football tournament turned into a scene of chaos and fear on Sunday morning when a man wielding a hatchet interrupted the event, sending shockwaves through the community. The unsettling incident unfolded on the field of Somerset Academy Collegiate, leaving parents, coaches, and young players in a state of alarm.

Captured on a nearly seven-minute video that quickly spread across social media, the confrontation featured a man brandishing a hatchet and engaging with a police officer. Geneva Godinez, who traveled from Houston to attend the tournament, expressed her concerns, acknowledging the unsettling nature of the event. “It’s terrifying to think someone could bring a weapon into a place surrounded by children,” she said.

The tournament director revealed that the man, reportedly a homeless individual residing in the nearby woods, was agitated by the noise from the games. In a startling move, he walked onto the field, attempting to cut cords with the hatchet. The footage shows him speaking to an officer who had drawn his weapon, while anxious spectators urged the officer to take action.

As tensions escalated, the announcer instructed all players to leave the field, allowing the officer to manage the situation. In an attempt to de-escalate, the officer eventually convinced the man to move towards the back entrance. The confrontation ended with the officer escorting the man out, seizing the hatchet, and subduing him with assistance from bystanders.

Godinez commended the officer’s handling of the situation, suggesting that non-lethal measures might have been employed sooner. “Perhaps a taser could have been used at a distance,” she remarked, “and restraint applied before the situation escalated further.”

The incident has raised questions about security measures at the event, as it remains unclear how the man accessed the field with a weapon. Authorities have yet to comment on any potential charges the man might face.

As the community grapples with the aftermath, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in public spaces and the importance of vigilance to ensure safety for all.