NYC man, woman charged in assault on 17-year-old Sesame Place worker

LANGHORNE, Pennsylvania (WPVI) -- A man and woman from New York City have been charged in connection to the assault of a 17-year-old Sesame Place employee at the Bucks County, Pennsylvania theme park.

The suspects are identified as Troy McCoy, 39, and Shakerra Bonds, 31. Both live in the Bronx.

According to the Middletown Township Police Department, the US Marshals Service executed an arrest warrant Wednesday morning at McCoy's home.

McCoy attempted to barricade himself in the home, police said, but US Marshals were able to make it through and take him into custody.

McCoy has been charged with Aggravated Assault, Simple Assault, Recklessly Endangering Another Person, Criminal Conspiracy, Disorderly Conduct 2 counts and Harassment.

Bonds, who is not in custody at this time, has been charged with Simple Assault 2 counts, Criminal Conspiracy, Disorderly Conduct 2 counts and Harassment.

On Wednesday morning, Sesame Place issued the following statement:

"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."

On Sunday, August 9, Middletown Township police were called to Sesame Place in Langhorne around 5 p.m.

Police said their investigation found the 17-year-old Sesame Place staff member was reminding McCoy and Bonds about Pennsylvania governor's order requiring masks.

Police said the teen was then assaulted by the suspects.

During the course of the attack, police said another Sesame Place employee attempted to come to the teen's aid and was also punched by Bonds.

The 17-year-old male employee was taken by EMS to St. Mary Medical Center where he remained for a week.

Police said he required surgery for a fractured jaw and injuries to his teeth.

Middletown Township police say a GoFundMe page has been set up for the victim to assist with his recovery.

WORKER ATTACKED: A Sesame Place employee underwent surgery following an attack that stemmed from a COVID-19 mask policy, police say.

Middletown police worked with Sesame Place security to review surveillance video to locate the suspects.

They also went through reservations and transaction records and tracked down the suspects' vehicle registration, which led them to tentatively ID the couple within 24 hours.

Police said after a positive ID was established, the Bucks County District Attorney's Office approved the charges and the arrest warrants were obtained.

Middletown Township detectives, the Bucks County District Attorneys' Office, and the US Marshals Service, both in Philadelphia and New York, coordinated the arrest of McCoy.

McCoy was arraigned and bail was set at $500,000.

Officials said arrangements are being made for Bonds to surrender herself to Middletown Township police.

McCoy, is charged with aggravated assault, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person, criminal conspiracy, disorderly conduct (two counts) and harassment.

Bonds, is charged with simple assault (two counts), criminal conspiracy, disorderly conduct (two counts) and harassment.