Ohio man held on $8,000 bail after trans-identifying male assaulted at theme park

A man has been arrested and held on an $8,000 bail following an alleged assault at Cedar Point amusement park in Ohio against a transgender-identifying biological male.

The suspect was identified as Marquez Williams, who was arraigned on assault charges on Wednesday morning. Court records also included a theft charge, though it was not clear if the charge was related to the same incident. A public indecency charge was also dropped.

Police said that the trans individual’s private parts were exposed after Williams pulled his clothes down, leaving him exposed in front of a crowd that included children. The incident took place at around 8:30 pm as the victim’s group was heading toward the exit.

“We were there enjoying my birthday vacation because I go there every year for my birthday to have fun and I bring all my friends,” said April Dempster, a friend of the trans individual, according to Cleveland 19. 

“As soon as I had realized what had happened, it took me a second to register what had just happened to my friend, yes, I took off running immediately after this person,” she added.

She flagged down a security guard, whom she told what had happened. Williams allegedly ran through the parking lot and was ultimately tased by police. 

“I was so angry that my friend had been violated, and this was her first time going out to the park. This was her first time at Cedar Point ever, and I was so angry because I had been talking to all my friends about how this is one of the safest, nicest places you can go to,” Dempster said.

Williams changes include disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, and obstructing official business. He was treated at a hospital and then booked into the county jail. He was also banned from Cedar Point.

“Cedar Point is a family-friendly environment, and we do not tolerate disruptive or inappropriate behavior. 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,” the park said in a statement.