A Boeing CH-47 Chinook and Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters fly over FirstEnergy Stadium during the national anthem before the game between the Cleveland Browns and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

Cleveland police identify Browns' field vandal

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 12/1/22

The vandal who broke into FirstEnergy Stadium last month, tearing up the Cleveland Browns' field, will reportedly be brought to justice.

According to multiple reports, police have identified the individual responsible.

Cleveland police have identified the individual who broke into FirstEnergy Stadium and vandalized the #Browns field. The person has not been arrested but police say it will be a direct indictment.
— Camryn Justice (@camijustice) December 1, 2022

Per the Associated Press, the suspect is 21-year-old Anthony Robert Westley O'Neal. O'Neal has not been arrested and will be a "direct indictment," according to police.

In a statement released by the Browns via Camryn Justice of News 5 Cleveland, the team says it has provided "all relevant information" to the Cleveland Police and "will continue to assist" with any further requests before referring any additional comments to the "proper authorities."

Police say the damage to the FirstEnergy field occurred on Nov. 21, a day before the Browns' matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Tire marks were clearly visible on the field, but the grounds crew were able to make the surface playable by game time.

The Browns reportedly had a recent vandalism incident on their field, in which someone drove onto the grass leaving tire marks. pic.twitter.com/vR3jac6aSK
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) November 27, 2022

The field conditions didn't impact the Browns in the aftermath, as Cleveland earned an overtime win over the Bucs, 23-17.

The Browns don't return home until Week 15, hosting the Baltimore Ravens. Cleveland is on the road Sunday, taking on the Houston Texans before traveling again next week to face off with the Cincinnati Bengals.

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