Deputy Charged in Stadium Attack

A San Benito County sheriff’s deputy faces felony charges after he allegedly attacked a man for tapping him with “thunder sticks” at an Anaheim Angels playoff game this month.

Daniel Slama of Huntington Beach suffered two broken vertebrae and a fractured skull, according to the Orange County district attorney’s office.

Deputy David Hackman, who was off-duty at the time of the incident, was named in a felony complaint charging him with battery with serious bodily injury, Deputy Dist. Atty. Mike Pear said.

Hackman and Slama were leaving Angel Stadium on Oct. 6 after the second game of the American League division series. Slama tapped Hackman, who was walking in the opposite direction, on the head with a thunder stick, according to police. Thunder sticks are vinyl tubes that when filled with air can make a loud clap. Hackman, 32, ran after Slama, throwing him onto the pavement, Pear said. Slama’s head hit the concrete.

Hackman could not be reached for comment, but San Benito County Sheriff Curtis J. Hill described him as an outstanding deputy. The department also is investigating the incident. “I’ve had the opportunity to read the police report and have started the process of doing our own internal-affairs investigation,” Hill said.

Hackman has worked as a San Benito County deputy in Central California for four years, the sheriff said. Previous employers include Los Angeles and Riverside police departments.

Hackman was ordered to appear for arraignment Nov. 29 at the North Justice Center in Fullerton, Pear said.

Slama is recovering from his injuries, he said.