Man Arrested For Attacking Worker In Minion Costume

Posted

UPDATE (7-12-18): A video has been posted on YouTube under Nihart's name that could be linked to the assault. You can see the video here.

Two other videos have also been posted showing Nihart apologizing for the incident.

Daytona Beach PD also released body camera footage showing the attack.

Earlier reporting below.

Daytona Beach, FL - A 25-year-old Homosassa man is out on bond after his arrest for attacking a partially blind and mentally handicapped man dressed as a cartoon character for his job.

Ryan C. Nihart was booked Sunday night on charges of battery and criminal mischief following the incident at George's Jungle on Main Street, according to the Daytona Beach Police Department.

DBPD spokesperson Lyda Longa says Nihart attacked the 40-year-old victim while the victim was dressed in a "Minion" suit as part of a promotion for his employer.

"Nihart came up behind [the victim], lifted him up, spun him around, then dropped him on the pavement," Longa added. "When [the victim] stood up and tried to get his bearings, Nihart then kicked him and knocked him down a second time."

Two other people were encouraging Nihart at the time, per Longa.

"The store owner and another man ran outside and pinned Nihart down until officers arrived at the scene and arrested the suspect," Longa stated.

The victim suffered minor injuries but declined medical attention, according to the incident report.

Afterward, the victim's boss told DBPD that the Minion costume when he was assaulted was destroyed, a loss valued at nearly $300.