Two adults have been charged following a fight at a second-grade basketball game in Lower Merion Township that left three people injured, including a 3-year-old child.
According to the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office, Brittany Ortiz, 38, of Malvern, and her father, William Stanley, 70, of Paoli, are facing charges including assault on a sports official, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person, harassment, and disorderly conduct.
Police say the incident occurred February 1 at Holy Child School in Rosemont during a Malvern Basketball League game. Investigators allege Ortiz, an assistant coach, began arguing with the opposing team’s assistant coach after shouting and using profanity during the game. Stanley also became involved in the dispute.
After the game, the argument continued near the gym entrance. Witnesses told police Ortiz grabbed the opposing coach’s wife by the hair and slammed her to the ground, causing her to hit her head on the tile floor. Authorities say Stanley struck the male victim in the head as he attempted to intervene, while Ortiz allegedly kicked at him, striking his inner thigh.
During the altercation, the male victim was holding his 3-year-old daughter. Police said the child suffered bruising to her leg.
The female victim was treated for a concussion and scalp contusion. The male victim sustained bruising.
Both Ortiz and Stanley were released on $10,000 unsecured bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 5.
All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.