Bodycam video shows arrest of softball player accused of hitting opponent with bat in Aventura

AVENTURA, Fla. — Aventura police released new body-worn camera video showing the moments after officers responded to a softball game where they said a man attacked another player with a metal bat on Father’s Day.

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The incident happened on June 21 during a softball league game at Waterways Park, located at 3310 NE 213th St., according to police.

Authorities said a verbal argument between teams escalated into a physical altercation, with multiple players pushing and shoving.

Police said Roberto Araujo, 41, of Allapattah, grabbed a metal bat and hit another player, William Rodriguez, in the back of the head.

Newly released body camera video shows Aventura officers arriving at the field and speaking with Rodriguez after the alleged attack.

“I was assaulted,” Rodriguez could be heard telling officers.

Rodriguez described the moments leading up to the incident, telling police the teams were involved in an exchange before he fell to the ground and was hit.

“I think he tripped over my feet. We both fell down and he just came around and swinged me in the head with the bat,” Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez’s aunt, who witnessed the incident, previously told Local 10 News that she saw Araujo swing the bat while her nephew was on the ground.

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“Willie was on the ground, so he just swung as if he was hitting,” she said.

The aunt was also able to provide police with the suspect’s tag number, which helped investigators locate Araujo.

The new video shows officers later taking Araujo into custody.

“Hey bro, listen, just stand up right now. Turn around, put your hands behind your back,” an officer said.

“For what?” Araujo responded.

Police said Araujo initially fled the scene after the alleged attack.

Rodriguez told officers the teams had a history of aggression in the league before Araujo realized he was going to jail.

“I’m being detained or I’m being arrested?” Araujo asked the officer in the video.

The incident led to Araujo’s arrest on a charge of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.

Rodriguez’s aunt said she believes the charge is justified.

“I think he deserves to be in jail because he almost killed someone,” she said.

Araujo has since been released from jail, but he is still facing the felony charge.

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