An AAU basketball game became serious recently in the Boston area when a man allegedly pulled a gun out. Joseph Mow reportedly attended his son’s tournament last Sunday in Westford, Massachusetts, when a disagreement with another parent turned threatening.
The 34-year-old allegedly got into an argument with a parent from the opposing team. According to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office reports, Mow allegedly pulled out a gun during the altercation. Surveillance video shows that attendees quickly exited the facility with children and parents running out of the gym in a panic.
Police arrived at The Mill Works gym facility incident “for a disturbance” and a report of a man with a firearm.
When Parental Competitiveness Goes Wrong
“Millworks Sports Facility has emergency protocols in place for mass exodus incidents that are regularly reviewed with employees,” the said. “Our number one goal is providing a safe and welcoming environment for all our customers.
“We are pleased that our staff did a tremendous job in assisting our spectators and athletes out of the building during this stressful time for all.”
Luckily, no one was hurt or injured, and all tourney attendees were evacuated to safety quickly.
Potentially Dangerous Situation
“This was a frightening and potentially dangerous situation that has no place in youth sports,” Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan said in a statement.
“We have put a focus in Middlesex County on building a culture of safe and respectful behavior on the sidelines at these types of events and that is not what occurred yesterday. These types of altercations among adults are unacceptable and can have lasting impacts on our young people.”
Witnesses gave officers a description of Mow’s vehicle, which reportedly led to the eventual arrest of the Bostonian in connection with the crimes.
Police reported they found a firearm in a diaper bag inside Mow’s vehicle.
Gun In The Diaper Bag
Now Mow faces severe charges concerning the incident. He was hit with multiple charges, including carrying a firearm without a license, and assault with a dangerous weapon.
The altercation occurred with a 48-year man from New York whose child played on the opposing team from Mow’s son. The event was reminiscent of the famous baseball rivalry fans of the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox exhibit, except this could have had lethal consequences if it had escalated further.
“We are very thankful for all the witnesses that came forward to lead to a quick identification of the parties involved, which resulted in the arrest and seizure of the firearm,” Westford Police Chief Mark Chambers added. “Additionally, we are extremely fortunate that there were no serious injuries as a result of this incident.”
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Mow was eventually arraigned in a Massachusetts courtroom and ordered by the judge to remain in police custody unless he posted $1,000 bail. His next court date is reportedly on June 6 to answer for the incident.
The competitiveness between parents at youth sports games is always heated; however, parents now have to think twice.
