Pueblo sheriff deputies arrest man for alleged assault at youth game

A man was arrested on suspicion of assaulting another man with a baseball bat during a fight at a youth softball game at the Runyon Field Sports Complex on June 8.

Armando Carbajal, 52, was arrested as part of an investigation into a second-degree assault and felony menacing case following a fight at Runyon Field during which two men were injured, one seriously, according to a Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office news release.

PCSO officials stated in the release that a second arrest is “forthcoming.”

Sheriff’s deputies were called to Runyon Field at about 5:10 p.m. on a report of a fight with injuries. They arrived to find medical personnel tending to an unconscious 46-year-old man, who was taken to a local hospital with serious injuries.

A second man also was injured during the altercation and was treated for minor injuries, according to the release.

“Witnesses told deputies that a group of people were leaving the field when two women started arguing,” PCSO officials stated in the release.

“Two men attempted to defuse the situation when one of the men was hit in the face by another man. The victim went unconscious and fell to the ground. A second man was injured when he was hit with a baseball bat by another man. Both suspects left the area after the assaults,” according to the release.

PCSO officials stated in the release that deputies identified the possible suspects and went to a home in the city of Pueblo to contact them. When deputies arrived, they contacted Carbajal, “who was identified as the suspect with the baseball bat.”

Carbajal was arrested on suspicion of second-degree assault, a Class 4 felony, as well as menacing, a Class 5 felony, and an outstanding warrant. He was booked into the Pueblo County jail.

“The second suspect was seen at the home when deputies arrived, but left on foot before deputies could contact him,” PCSO officials said in the release. “Deputies searched the area for the man but were unable to find him. Charges are forthcoming.”

In a separate June 9 news release, Pueblo County officials stated county government and the Runyon Board of Directors were “aware of an unfortunate incident that occurred at the Runyon Field Sports Complex on the evening of June 8.”

“An altercation between two teams resulted in an act of violence that has left members of our community injured,” officials said in the release. 

“Our thoughts are with those affected. We are hopeful for their full recovery and are keeping them close in our hearts during this difficult time.”

Due to the ongoing criminal investigation, Runyon Sports Complex is set to remain closed until Wednesday.

“At this time, an active criminal investigation is underway. We are cooperating fully with law enforcement and urge the public to allow the investigation to proceed without speculation,” county officials said in the release.

“The safety of all athletes, coaches, staff, families, and spectators remains our highest priority. Runyon Field has long been a cornerstone of youth and community sports in Pueblo, and we remain firmly committed to maintaining it as a safe and welcoming space for all.

Carbajal is being held in the Pueblo County jail on a $1,500 cash or surety bond. His first court appearance is scheduled for June 12.

Chieftain Editor Zach Hillstrom can be reached at zhillstrom@gannett.com or on X, at @ZachHillstrom. Support local news; subscribe to the Pueblo Chieftain at subscribe.chieftain.com.