An 18-year-old Ohio man has been arrested after allegedly pulling down a transgender woman’s skirt and underwear in front of bystanders at Cedar Point amusement park.
According to a police report obtained by the Sandusky Register, the incident took place near the park’s main gate at around 8.30pm on Tuesday, 26 May.
The woman told police that the man approached her from behind without saying anything before allegedly pulling down her clothing, exposing her buttocks and genitals to people nearby.
She told officers she believed she had been targeted because she is transgender.
Police identified the suspect as Marquez D. Williams, from Fremont, Ohio. Officers said Williams fled through the Cedar Point car park after the incident, leading police to pursue him.
According to the report, officers repeatedly ordered Williams to stop and warned him that a Taser would be used if he did not comply. After several warnings, an officer deployed a stun gun and Williams was taken into custody.
Williams was charged with public indecency, persistent disorderly conduct, obstructing official business and resisting arrest.
Police said several witnesses, including children, were present when the alleged assault occurred.
After being assessed by paramedics, which is standard practice after a Taser has been used, Williams was taken to the Erie County Jail. He has since been released, according to the Sandusky Register.
The incident has raised renewed concern about the safety of transgender people in public spaces, particularly amid ongoing hostility and harassment directed at trans communities.
