New York couple charged for violent attack on 17-year-old Sesame Place worker after being asked to wear masks
MIDDLETOWN TOWNSHIP, PENNSYLVANIA: A man and a woman have been charged for allegedly assaulting a teenage worker at Sesame Place after being asked to wear face masks given the coronavirus pandemic. The suspects have been identified as 39-year-old Troy McCoy and 31-year-old Shakerra Bonds. Both of them live in the Bronx, New York.
The Middletown Township Police Department said that McCoy was arrested at his home in the Bronx after the US Marshals Service executed an arrest warrant Wednesday morning, August 19. He reportedly tried to resist arrest by barricading himself in the house but was eventually taken into custody. The man has been charged with aggravated assault, simple assault, reckless endangerment, conspiracy, disorderly conduct, and harassment charges. He will be extradited to Middletown to face the charges.
The other accused, Bonds, has not yet been arrested and it has been said that police are arranging for her to surrender herself to Middletown Township police. She is facing simple assault two counts, criminal conspiracy, disorderly conduct two counts, and harassment charges. Following this, Sesame Place issued a statement that read: “We're relieved that the individuals responsible for injuring our team member have been identified and arrested. We want to thank the law enforcement agencies involved for their quick actions and support. We have issued a lifetime ban to the individuals involved for all of our parks across the country. The safety of our team members and guests remains our top priority."
According to reports, the alleged assault happened on August 9 when the 17-year-old unnamed employee of the theme park reminded the suspects about the Pennsylvania governor's order that states face coverings are mandatory in all public areas in the state. When another worker interrupted, Bonds punched them also, police said. After the attack, they fled in a vehicle registered in New York.
Later, the 17-year-old was taken to St. Mary Medical Center where he was admitted for a week and needed surgery for a fractured jaw and injuries to his teeth. A GoFundMe page launched for the worker stated: “On Sunday, August 9, 2020, a 17-year-old was viciously assaulted for going above and beyond to ensure that the Sesame Place community remains healthy and safe for all through the wearing of masks. This teenager had to undergo double jaw surgery and the removal of a tooth on Tuesday, August 11, 2020. This traumatic injustice dulled the spirits of a teenager who is so full of love, kindness, and overall radiates sunshine around family and friends."
It added, “On Friday, August 14, 2020, this teenager was released from the hospital on the road to recovery. Physically, this survivor is taking it day by day even in the midst of experiencing excruciating pain and the inability to perform simple tasks, such as eating solid foods and talking. Mentally and emotionally, it is a challenge to make sense of why this attack had to become a part of the narrative and through that unknown reason, depression becomes a reality. This is an extremely difficult, overwhelming, and unexplainable time as family and friends are praying for justice and healing. I am asking for the community to come together to provide financial assistance for this teenager's medical, mental health, and unforeseen expenses.”