Shea Stadium Parachutist Facing Prosecution

Michael Sergio, the 37-year-old Manhattan man who parachuted onto the field of a packed Shea Stadium during the sixth game of the World Series Saturday night landed in “a heap of trouble,” according to John Santucci, the Queens District Attorney.

“We’re not taking this as a laughing matter,” a spokesman for Santucci said.

Police charged Sergio with reckless endangerment, criminal trespass and disorderly conduct, and Santucci said he was urging the Federal Aviation Administration to hand down additional federal charges.

However, Sergio was released without bail Sunday after Criminal Court Judge Allen Beldock rejected Santucci’s request that he set a $10,000 bail. Sergio was ordered to return to court Nov. 24.

Sergio, who gave his occupation as actor, wore an orange jumpsuit as he floated onto the field just as the New York Mets and the Boston Red Sox began to play. The multi-colored parachute billowing above him carried the message, “Go Mets.”

Police took Sergio into custody as soon as he landed.

“It could have led to panic and a stampede,” Santucci said. “It may have brought a momentary smile to some, but it could have meant injury, pain and tears if he had crashed into the stands or the players, if he had knocked over electrical equipment, causing fire.”