Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, August 4, 1993 TAG: 9308040102
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B1 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: LOS ANGELES LENGTH: Medium
The 31-year-old outfielder said he does not wish to contest the charge and wants to reach a financial settlement.
The charge, unlawful possession of an explosive device, was filed after arson investigators completed a report on the July 24 incident. The powerful fireworks were thrown from a car as autograph-seekers waited outside the players' parking lot after a game.
The felony charge carries a penalty of up to three years in state prison upon conviction. Prosecutors will recommend bail of $5,000.
Authorities revealed that the device, previously reported as a firecracker, was much stronger. While firecrackers contain one to several grains of gunpowder, this device was packed with between 200 and 300 grains of powder, said Bill Hodgman, the district attorney's central operations director.
Dean Cathey, the fire battalion chief, said the explosive was similar to an M-100, a military device used to simulate mines and grenades. It is stronger than the familiar M-80.
Hodgman said prosecutors chose to file a felony charge rather than a misdemeanor because of the strength of the explosive and the injuries.
"This is the one that most closely fit the gravity of the offense," Hodgman said.
Coleman was expected to surrender in Los Angeles next week, said his attorney, Robert Shapiro.
In a statement relayed by Shapiro, Coleman said: "I take full responsibility for a very childish act for which I am suffering greatly. It was never my intent to hurt anyone. My main concern is for those injured."
Shapiro said Coleman wants to pay the injured parties.
"It is not his desire to contest the charge brought by the district attorney," he said. "It is his desire to compensate those who have reported injuries and to pay his debt to society in a positive way."
Shapiro said he had spoken by telephone with Coleman, who was with the Mets in Montreal for a night game.
"He is very stressed by the situation," Shapiro said. "He hasn't been able to sleep and he is very, very concerned for those who have been hurt and for himself."
Gerald Hunsicker, the Mets' assistant vice president of baseball operations, said from Montreal that Coleman remains on the team.
"He's not been convicted," he said. "He's innocent until proven guilty. It's a potentially serious offense, but he is on the ballclub."
Hunsicker, while acknowledging Coleman is an employee, questioned the extent of the Mets' responsibility.
"The incident didn't occur during working hours, it didn't happen on the ball field or in the clubhouse," he said. "It involves Vince Coleman. In large measure, this is Vince Coleman's problem and it's Vince Coleman's incident."
Shapiro said he had relayed a request by Coleman to speak to each of the alleged victims, and that in each case he was referred to attorneys.
Keywords:
BASEBALL
Memo: shorter version ran in the Metro edition.