A UA student who failed to snag the game ball but stole the show just before the end of the first half of the UA-UCLA game, faces a felony charge and possible repercussions from the school.
Jace Michael Lankow, 22, was arrested on charges of criminal impersonation and was booked into Pima County jail Thursday night after his televised streaking at Arizona Stadium. Lankow was released Friday, the jail said.
Lankow ran onto the field dressed like a referee, blew a whistle, tried to steal the game ball and then ran toward the end zone while stripping down to a red and white Speedo. His effort was cut short by a deputy who raced from the sidelines to deliver an impressive open-field tackle.
The criminal impersonation charge is a Class 6 felony. According to Arizona Revised Statutes, the felony can be dropped down to a Class 1 misdemeanor based on the court's review of the defendant's character and history and if the crime was not a dangerous offense.
Lankow told officers he is applying to be a contestant on the TV show "Wipeout," according to a police report. His antics were inspired by a question on the application that asks "What's the craziest thing you've ever done?"
Lankow also told officers that he got on the field by using a fake all-access field pass he made. He said he was a student volunteer for the football team in 2006 and had made the fake pass based on his expired one, records show.
Lankow, who is an undergraduate in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, may face disciplinary action from the university. Officials at the UA said federal privacy laws prevented them from speaking specifically about Lankow's situation.
However, officials did say the incident could be considered a violation of university policy. Sanctions for cases referred to the Dean of Students Office can range from warnings to expulsion.
Contact reporter Veronica Cruz at vcruz@azstarnet.com or 573-4224.
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