An arrest warrant was issued yesterday for a Philadelphia man who failed to appear in court to face charges of pushing the Baltimore Oriole mascot over a Camden Yards bleacher in May.

Louis G. Vitagliano, 43, could be sentenced to 15 years in jail and pay $30,000 in fines if convicted of pushing John J. Krownapple, 23.

Krownapple's attorney, F. Todd Taylor Jr., said a lawyer representing a witness for Vitagliano said the defendant was attending the funeral of a co-worker.

Krownapple fell 10 feet and broke his left ankle in the May 4 incident.

He's suing Vitagliano in civil court for $200,000.

Pub Date: 7/24/99