Fan Wanted For Attacking Youth Basketball Referee Identified

LOWELL (CBS) – UMass-Lowell Police have identified a fan wanted for attacking a referee at a junior high school basketball game earlier this week.

They're not releasing his name, but authorities say he's the father of a Lowell Junior High player.

Police say a spectator angered by a foul call threw a water bottle at the referee during a game Tuesday night at UMass-Lowell's recreation center.

Then, investigators say, he punched the ref and knocked him to the ground when he tried to call 911 from the lobby.

The referee wasn't seriously hurt.

UMass-Lowell police say the man came to them after seeing reports of what happened.

"He came in voluntarily after seeing the story on the news and provided his version of the incident. Charges may be filed in Lowell District Court pending the completion of the investigation," UMass-Lowell Police Lt. Melissa Mullen said in a statement Friday.