It's the first time a Taser was used in this way at Citizens Bank Park, and police officials are standing by the officer's actions.
It was the top of the 8th inning when 17-year-old Steve Consalvi hopped onto the field along the right field line.
In videos posted online, Consalvi can be seen running toward center field with police and security in hot pursuit. He eludes them for a few moments when a Philadelphia police officer uses his Taser. Consalvi immediately hits the turf.
Witnesses say the officer fired the Taser several times before hitting Consalvi.
Outside South Detectives overnight, Action News spoke with the teen's stepfather.
"Do you think it was appropriate for them to Taser your son?" reporter Sarah Bloomquist asked. "We've got to go gather information, understand what's going on," he replied.
Sarah then asked him if running on the field is something his son would do again. Consalvi's stepfather said "I certainly hope not."
Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey defended the actions of the officer, saying the use of the Taser fell under proper police guidelines.
"I don't think it was excessive. A person can be injured even by tackling," Ramsey said. "They tried to subdue him, they tried to catch him. They were unable to do so and, again, it's a judgment call on the part of the officer."
Ramsey continued: "I don't see where his actions were outside of policy."
However, authorities do say the incident is under review.
The Phillies released a statement on Tuesday about the incident. It read, in part:
"The Police Department is investigating this matter and The Phillies are discussing with them whether, in future situations, this is an appropriate use of force under these circumstances. That decision will be made public."
Police say Consalvi is charged with defiant trespass, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.
An expert on police accountability told the Associated Press he couldn't comment specifically on the Philadelphia case, but said the general rule is that officers should only use Tasers on people who are posing a threat of "imminent harm."
Merrick Bobb, executive director of a Los Angeles-based nonprofit police oversight group called the Police Assessment Resource Center, said mild resistance usually doesn't justify the use of a Taser.
"Usually the resistance has to threaten some harm to the officer in order to justify the use of a Taser," Bobb said.
