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Fan tackled by security after jumping into PNC Park pierogi race

PITTSBURGH — A man who jumped onto the field and joined PNC Park’s famous pierogi race during Wednesday night’s Pirates game will go to court and face penalties, authorities said.

Video of the incident posted to the WPXI-TV Facebook page shows the shirtless fan running onto the field.

The man runs through center field and then to the finish line of the race, and tries to jump a fence to escape. But security guards knocked the man off his feet and wrestled him into custody.

A PNC Park spokesman released the following statement on the incident Thursday, "PNC Park security staff correctly followed procedures in tracking down the individual.  The individual was then taken by Pittsburgh Police to a PNC Park security office where he was cited for trespassing.  The person now faces court proceedings and penalties."

So far, police have not released the man’s name. He was cited for criminal trespassing.

“I think it’s funny. It’s just plain fun,” Pirates fan Gina Brinkman said after watching the video Thursday.

But not all Bucco fans shared her mindset.

“I don’t know what makes people do that. They think they’re going to get away with it, yet you’re not going to when you have police and security chasing you,” Jason Ross said.

According to the Pirates’ website, fans who interfere face immediate removal from the park and criminal sanctions.