NASCAR Rumors 2016: Tulsa Police Investigate Tony Stewart vs Heckler Incident
NASCAR racing team owner and professional stock-car race driver Tony Stewart was watching the Chili Bowl at the Tulsa Expo Center when an alleged fan heckled him. But unlike most instances of heckling, this one couldn't move past the authorities because Stewart confronted the heckler, who supposedly was identified as an off-duty police officer.
The confrontation took place Friday night during the week long racing event, where Cpl. Kyle Hess was later named as the heckler. He is with the sheriff's office of the town. The disclosure of his identity was done by the Tulsa County Sheriff's Office, which also said that their investigation of the matter will hopefully be concluded this weekend.
There were several videos taken by fans that circulated the Internet hours after the incident. Those videos showed the 44-year-old Stewart and Cpl. Hess locking their hands and engaging in a very heated conversation that onlookers were already anticipating a fight.
Get Our Latest News for FREE
Right after Stewart made his way to the stands, Hess was moved back by as security guard who attempted to step in between them. Although they were already separated by the guard, Stewart didn't stop talking to Hess, who at that time was already seated.
Sheriff's Deputy Justin Green later said that it is highly unlikely that charges will be filed to both individuals. However, that perception might change if some new evidence and details emerge. "Of course, there may be other details that are still out there other than that video," he added.
Stewart was present in the dirt-track event to work on track preparation. He has an emotional tie with this tournament because he won it back in 2002 and once again in 2007. The three-time NASCAR champ recently announced that he will be retiring after the 2016 season, but will still participate in dirt-track racing.
As of this posting, Stewart still has no statement about the issue.
