Depantsing suspect banned for life

SANDUSKY — A Fremont man who allegedly de-pantsed a transgender woman at Cedar Point was recently banned for life from all Six Flags parks. "Cedar Point is a family-friendly environment, and we do not tolerate disruptive or inappropriate behavior," said Tony Clark, the park's spokesperson. "Guests who violate our code of conduct are not welcome in our parks, and this guest has been banned from all Six Flags parks for life." At about 8:30 p.m. on May 26, Sandusky police were called to the first block of Cedar Point Drive for the report of an assault with the alleged perpetrator running in the parking lot. The 18-year-old Fremont man has been charged with four misdemeanors: public indecency, persistent disorderly conduct, obstructing official business and resisting arrest. He allegedly approached a transgender woman from behind, grabbed her skirt and underwear and pulled them down, according to a Sandusky police report. Several individuals were in the area and saw the nude woman, including children, the report states. The woman's friend chased the man to the front gate. Upon reaching the front of the park, the woman told a security officer what occurred as the man left the park and began running through the parking lot. Officers yelled at the man several times to stop running, but he reportedly refused. Eventually, after several warnings that he would be stunned if he did not stop, an officer deployed his stun gun on the man, who immediately fell to the ground, the report states. Officers then asked for an ambulance to respond, which is a standard practice after a person is stunned. While on the ground, the man allegedly became aggressive with officers, so more units were requested to the scene. The victim told officers she believes the man acted toward her the way he did because she is transgender, the report states. The man was taken to Erie County Jail. He has since been released. He had an arraignment scheduled for 9 a.m. on Wednesday, but court records have not been updated to indicate if he entered a plea. The man also has a warrant for misdemeanor theft with the incident date listed as the same day of the incident at Cedar Point. A message left with Sandusky police commanders inquiring about the theft charge was not returned as of late Wednesday.