Youth flag football referee charged with assaulting coach in South Jersey

FRANKLIN TWP., N.J. (WPVI) -- A dispute over a call on the field escalated into an alleged assault involving a referee and a coach, according to Franklin Township police.

Police were called out to the Franklin Township Sports Complex on Pennsylvania Avenue in Gloucester County around 1:30 p.m. Sunday after reports of an assault during a youth flag football game.

Witnesses tell police that 47-year-old Edward McKinnie Jr. of Blackwood, New Jersey tried to strangle a 46-year-old coach from one of the teams.

Police were also told that people at the event had to separate McKinnie from the victim.

McKinnie was taken to the Franklin Township Police Department and charged with second degree aggravated assault.

He was processed and released pending a future court appearance.

The victim was treated at the scene for his injuries, according to police.