Trooper working as referee nabs out-of-bounds fan

[February 04, 2009]  VALPARAISO, Ind. (AP) -- Authorities say a 64-year-old Indiana man upset over the outcome of a high school basketball game attacked a referee -- who happened to be a state trooper. Patrick Rempala, of Michigan City, is charged with battery and resisting arrest.

Police say Rempala rushed from the stands Friday after Michigan City Marquette's 33-32 loss to Washington Township High School and yelled at the referees before pointing at Trooper Glen Fifield and bumping him.

Fifield says he walked away but Rempala pushed him again. The trooper then identified himself and told Rempala he was under arrest. Rempala allegedly tried to choke the officer with the neck-strap of his whistle before he was taken in.

A telephone message seeking comment was left for Rempala.

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Information from: The Times, http://nwitimes.com/

[Associated Press]

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