New Jersey Man Faces Charges After Allegedly Groping Mall Easter Bunny
In a disturbing and unusual incident, a New Jersey man has been arrested and charged with indecent assault and harassment after police say he groped a woman dressed as the Easter Bunny at a Pennsylvania shopping centre. The bizarre event unfolded at the South Hills Village Mall in Upper St. Clair, Pennsylvania, last week, according to court records obtained by local media.
Details of the Alleged Assault
Shivakrishna Bera, a 36-year-old resident of Jersey City, New Jersey, is accused of approaching the Easter Bunny character on March 23rd while the female employee was posing for photographs with children and families. Police reports indicate that Bera began asking the woman questions, and despite her attempts to redirect him to an assistant, he persisted.
The situation escalated when Bera allegedly touched the woman's arm and the top of her chest before grabbing her breasts. Witnesses and the assistant told investigators that during the encounter, Bera inquired, "Is it a boy or a girl?" and also inserted his fingers into the nose and mouth openings of the bunny costume.
Investigation and Arrest
Authorities reviewed extensive mall surveillance footage which helped them identify Bera as the suspect. He was later located asleep inside a nearby AMC movie theatre, where he was taken into custody. During his arrest, Bera reportedly asked police, "It's a doll, right?" in reference to the Easter Bunny costume.
When informed that there was indeed a person inside the costume, Bera responded, "By mistake, my hand touched her if it's a lady." This statement has been noted in the police records as part of the ongoing investigation.
Legal Proceedings and Current Status
Shivakrishna Bera is currently being held at the Allegheny County Jail on a $10,000 bail. He is scheduled to appear in court on April 2nd to face the formal charges of indecent assault and harassment. The case has drawn significant attention due to its unusual nature and the location of the alleged crime within a family-oriented mall setting.
The incident has raised concerns about safety for seasonal workers in costume characters, particularly during holiday events when interactions with the public increase. Mall management and local authorities have not yet commented on whether additional security measures will be implemented for future events.
