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Ballpark dasher pleads guilty, gets sentenced

Posted at 4:47 PM, Nov 12, 2015
and last updated 2015-11-12 16:47:41-05

CINCINNATI -- An Indiana man who dashed across the outfield of Great American Ball Park in late July pleaded guilty Thursday to criminal trespass.

Justin Buchanan, 19, was sentenced to 30 days in jail and one year probation. His jail term was suspended so long as he completes the terms of the probation, which include 100 hours of community service at the Reds Urban Youth Academy.

COLUMN: Outfield dash offers life lessons

Buchanan also has to stay away from Great American Ball Park until November 2016, and he got a $50 fine plus court costs.

Buchanan, of Noblesville, Indiana, told WCPO he performed the stunt after losing a bet with friends while they were headed to the July 22 game versus the Cubs. He said he scoped out the ballpark's security, looking for the best escape route, before he ran across the field.

He gained a lot of attention on social media after his clean getaway, but he later surrendered to police after getting a lawyer.

Sgt. Greg Lewton, in charge of security details for the ballpark, said over the summer he believed Buchanan learned his lesson.