COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho – Coeur d’Alene police are investigating an incident where a 16-year-old girl was hugged by a man dressed as a snowman.
On Thursday, police responded to reports of a battery incident at The Shops in downtown Coeur d’Alene.
Officers responded to a 16-year-old girl and her two friends who said that a man dressed as a snowman approached her. The man was an employee of the Lake CDA Cruises and was interacting with kids and adults posing for pictures.
The 16-year-old said she has an intense fear of mascots and was afraid when the snowman approached her. She told police she began to back up against a wall and say no as the snowman hugged her.
The snowman then turned to the friends, and they began to run. While running away one of the friends tripped and hit her head. She was evaluated and released by medical personnel on scene.
Officers reviewed footage of the incident and noticed the snowman interacting with all guests.
The 16-year-old’s parents were contacted, and they were unsure if they wanted to press charges for battery.
The officers identified the snowman and interviewed him on scene. Police say there is no threat to the community.
