Cops: Man Stomps Face of Opposing Player During Adult Soccer Game

A 30-year-old man stomped on the face of an opposing player, knocking him unconscious, during an adult soccer game last week at Jannarone Park, Parsippany Police said.

David Pekarek, of Ewing, fled the park but returned to police headquarters when officers contacted him. Pekarek was charged with third-degree aggravated assault and released without bail, pending his court appearance, police said.

Patrol Officers Matthew LaManna and Gregory Lowe arrived at the park around 11:30 p.m. last Thursday and found the victim, a 23-year-old Wayne man, had regained consciousness, according to a release from Officer Remo D’Alessandro.

Witnesses told the officers that both players fell down during one of the plays after the referee blew the whistle, according to the release.

"Pekarek got back on his feet and slammed his foot down on the left side of the victim’s face while the victim was still on the ground and unprotected," according to the police statement.

Since Pekarek was wearing cleats, the Wayne man had abrasions and swelling on his face and was unconscious for about 20 seconds, police said.

Pekarek was ejected from the game and left.

Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance Squad and paramedics brought the Wayne man to Morristown Memorial Medical Center.