A University baseball player faces a felony charge after police caught him using his athletic skills off the field.
Pitcher Michael Kobow, 20, was charged Nov. 30 with one count of first-degree property damage by a Hennepin County prosecutor, according to University Police reports.
The charge stems from an Oct. 9 incident when a University Police officer spotted Kobow pitching a rock at the window of a business located at 2221 University Ave. S.E.
Kobow, a pre-journalism major, said he would not comment on the incident when contacted Tuesday.
The officer approached Kobow after he heard breaking glass,according to police reports. Kobow then allegedly began running from the officer, heading east on University Avenue.
The pursuit continued until the officer tackled Kobow and attempted to arrest him near the commuter-parking lots, according to police reports.
“The officer had the suspect on the ground, but the suspect struggled and freed himself,” said University Police Sgt. Jo Anne Benson.
Kobow “fought to the end,” according to police reports. The officer sprayed Kobow with pepper spray and sustained a badly sprained, possibly broken finger from the tangle.
The officer was off-duty for six weeks as a result of the injury, according to police reports.
A second University Police officer arrested Kobow shortly after he escaped from the first officer.
According to police reports, Kobow ran from officers because he was afraid of getting a second underage-drinking ticket.
Kobow told officers he had been drinking a lot, the reports stated. But he refused to tell officers where he had been drinking.
The reports also stated that Kobow called the owner of the business to pay for the damage. He wanted to “work it out so he would not be kicked off the baseball team,” the report stated.
Owners of the office building estimated the window damage at $600.
Kobow said he “just did it without thinking.” He also told police, “I just want to get this behind me.”
Baseball coach John Anderson and Jeff Schemmel, senior associate director of men’s athletics, were notified of the incident, according to police reports.
Anderson refused to comment on the incident Tuesday.
Kobow’s case has been referred to Student Judicial Affairs.

Liz Bogut covers courts and crime and welcomes comments at [email protected]. She can also be reached at (612) 627-4070 x3225.