A Philadelphia coach is facing serious charges after allegedly firing a single shot in the air during a youth basketball game.
Maurice Tavares, 26, was charged with aggravated assault, recklessly endangering another person, and related offenses in the incident that occurred Saturday at 1:30 p.m. at the Christy Recreation Center in Southwest Philadelphia, according to Philadelphia Inquirer.
The incident allegedly occurred after Tavares began arguing with spectators in the crowd. This prompted the rival coach to intervene to diffuse the situation. Tavares then drew his licensed .45-caliber handgun and fired it a shot above the opposing coach and bleachers, striking a window. This sent everyone in the gym into a frenzy.
Tavares’ attorney Eugene Tenari told NBC10 Philadelphia his client was defending himself.
“The gun was not pointed at anybody,” Tenari said. “The gun was not fired at anybody. I’m being told the shot was more in the air towards the ceiling.”
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