Sesame Place theme park worker assaulted in mask dispute

LANGHORNE — A teenage employee at a children’s theme park near Philadelphia was assaulted as a result of reminding a couple about the requirement to wear a mask over the weekend, authorities said.

A man and woman assaulted the 17-year-old employee of Sesame Place shortly after 5 p.m. Sunday, police in Middletown Township said.

Detective Lt. Steve Forman said the worker had reminded the couple about the mask requirement amid the covid-19 pandemic. The employee was then punched in the face before the two fled, he said.

Sesame Place requires guests age 2 and older to wear face coverings while in the park except while eating and drinking or in designated relaxation areas. Face coverings are not allowed in the park’s water attractions. The park reopened on July 24.

The employee was taken to St. Mary’s Medical Center in Middletown to undergo surgery for injuries to his jaw and a tooth, Forman said.

“A full recovery is expected,” Forman said. “It’s going to be an uncomfortable recovery.”

Detectives were interviewing witnesses and viewing surveillance footage but said the suspects fled in a vehicle with New York plates.

Sesame Place said in a statement that it was cooperating with law enforcement.

“We’ve been in close communication with the family of our injured team member, and are wishing for a full and speedy recovery,” the statement said. “The health and safety of our guests and team members is our top priority, and violence of any kind is unacceptable and not tolerated at our park.”