Police are looking for a couple who punched a teenage employee of Sesame Place, a children’s theme park and water park in Pennsylvania, after he was reminded to wear a face mask on Sunday (August 9).
According to CBS Philly, Middletown Township police are investigating the attack and have tentative identification on the two suspects, described as being between 20 and 30 years old.
The employee was “aggressively punched by both a female and a male”, according to Middletown Township Police Lieutenant Stephen Forman (via CNN).
“In Pennsylvania, face coverings are mandatory in all public spaces,” says the Sesame Place website. “Face coverings are required for guests age 2 and older while in the park except as stated here.”
Officers responded to Sesame Place just after 5pm on Sunday, when a 17-year-old male employee was assaulted at Captain Cookie’s High C’s Adventure.
Police said the employee had reminded a man and woman to wear masks earlier in the day, before they spotted him again, both hit him in the face and knocked him to the ground.
The injured teenager, who required surgery for his injuries, was taken to St Mary’s Medical Center to treat damage to his jaw and damaged tooth.
Face coverings are mandatory at Sesame Place
https://www.instagram.com/p/CDy8b8eFO8y/
Although the couple were chased by security guards, they managed to escape. Officers got their license plate number, which is out of New York.
Middletown Township are now working with authorities in New York to identify the couple using the park’s surveillance cameras and reservation records.
Sesame Place released a statement that reads: “The health and safety of our guests and team members is our top priority, and violence of any kind is unacceptable and not tolerated at our park.
“We are cooperating with local law enforcement on this ongoing investigation.”
Another statement posted to social media reads: “Thank you for your continued messages of support for our team member during this difficult time.
“We are committed to providing a safe and fun environment for everyone at Sesame Place. As a reminder, everyone entering the park is required to wear a face covering.”
SeaWorld Entertainment is opening its second Sesame Place in the US. The new theme park is currently set to open in San Diego in spring 2021.
