Following a confrontation between a Meridian Police Officer and Clinton man at a youth baseball game on Friday, Meridian Police Officer Senior Eric Johnson has been placed on administrative leave with pay. 

No charges have been filed against Johnson, of Marion, or Leroi Gray, of Clinton, after a video captured the two men fighting at a youth baseball game in Ridgeland. 

Johnson, the assistant coach of a Meridian team, The Shockers, and Gray, the assistant coach of their opponents, The Mayhem, fought and Gray had to be taken to a local hospital, according to the Ridgeland Police Department.

Ridgeland Police Department Lt. Brian Myers said the extent of Gray’s injuries was unknown, though the department had been in contact with Gray. He had surgery over the weekend, Myers said, but it was unknown if they were related to the fight.

Gray has not filed charges against Johnson, Myers said. 

“It’s still under investigation and we’re taking in voluntary statements from witnesses,” Myers said. 

Myers said a detective was meeting with Gray at his home Wednesday to discuss the case and said he would have more information in the evening. 

Meridian Police Chief Benny Dubose said he had discussed the case with the Ridgeland Police Chief and said he believed it shouldn’t take long to investigate.

Dubose said charges wouldn’t be sufficient for someone to leave the police force, because anyone can press charges, but said he was waiting on the investigation from the Ridgeland Police Department before determining disciplinary action against Johnson. 

“(However,) even if it clears him that doesn’t stop the other individual from charging for assault,” Dubose said.

The Meridian Police Department will be able to review Ridgeland Police Department’s investigation once it is completed.

Mayor Percy Bland, a bystander in the video, said that Gray had been ejected from the game after yelling and threatening the other team. Gray returned and had a physical confrontation with Johnson, who also provides security at City Hall.

The 35-second video shows Gray, in a gray t-shirt, talking to Bland in a reddish shirt. Johnson, who wore a white shirt, enters from off-screen and puts Gray in a headlock before Gray falls. At least four men had to pull Johnson back and restrain him.