One Out Before the Game Starts – Razorbacks’ Thomas Altimont Faces Charges


Thomas Altimont, a junior pitcher for the Arkansas Razorbacks baseball team, faces kidnapping and battery charges and has suspended indefinitely by head coach Dave Van Horn.

“Thomas Altimont has been suspended indefinitely from our team, effectively immediately,” Van Horn said. “We will take the time to review the matter thoroughly and make any further determinations next week. We have high standards for our student-athletes and they will conduct themselves appropriately. We stress accountability in the University of Arkansas baseball program and endangering the safety of others and other inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated.”

UPDATE: Van Horn announced Monday, April 15, 2013, Altimont has been dismissed from the team.

From KNWA:

The victim told police she and Altimont got into an argument during the ride and when they arrived at Altimont’s apartment on Conway Place he forced her from the vehicle when she refused to go inside.

The victim said Altimont threw her over his shoulder and carried her up the stairs.

She told police she was kicking and screaming attempting to get away and actually did escape from Altimont several times but was captured again each time.

The victim told police Altimont then forced her into his apartment and into his bedroom.

Police say Altimont was confronted by a roommate who expressed concern about what was happenng and Altimont punched a hole in a closet door and began choking himself.

At that point, Police say he locked himself in the room with the victim.

As evidence, police noted red marks on the victim’s arms and neck. She also complained of pain to her scalp where she says Altimont bit down on her hair and pulled it from her scalp.

Altimont has been taken to the Washington County Detention Center on Charges of kidnapping and third degree battery.

Altimont’s bio from the University of Arkansas:

2013 (Junior)
Made his Razorback debut in the second game of the series vs. Western Illinois (2.16), throwing an inning and allowing a run on three hits with a strikeout … Closed out Arkansas’ sweep of Evansville (2.24) by retiring the final batter in the ninth inning of the series finale … Tossed a scoreless inning of relief against Pacific (3.3) … Earned first win as a Razorback in series opener vs. Alabama A&M (3.12), allowing an unearned run and striking out two in 2.1 innings … Threw a hitless inning in relief with one strikeout in series opener vs. Ole Miss (3.15).

McLennan Community College
Pitched in 13 games as a sophomore and had a 7-5 record with a 2.71 ERA with 71 strikeouts in 83 innings … Led the team in innings pitched and was second in wins … Appeared in 11 games as a freshman and compiled a 4-1 record with a 1.78 ERA … Struck out 47 in 50.2 innings as a freshman … Helped McLennan to a conference title in 2011.

Southlake Carroll High School
Named to the 2010 Rawlings preseason honorable mention Texas all-region team by Perfect Game … Earned honorable mention all-state honors in 2007 … High school team finished as state runner-up in his sophomore season.

Personal
Son of David and Margaret Altimont … Has a brother, Chris and a sister, Lauren … Majoring in finance.

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