The Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog
A blind and disabled man dressed in a yellow Minion character costume who was entertaining as the mascot of a store on the boardwalk in Daytona Beach was allegedly the victim of a random attack by an Instagram internet performer.
25-year-old Ryan Nihart has two Instagram channels where he posts videos under the name Bouje Ratchet for a fan base of approximately 4,000 followers who view his material.
On Sunday, July 8, Nihart reportedly went to the Daytona Beach boardwalk and approached 40-year-old Jamie Roehm. Roehm is a legally blind and disabled man who dresses in a costume depicting a character from the movie Despicable Me who works as the mascot of Jungle George, a business on the boardwalk.
When Nihart went up to Roehm he picked the man up and began spinning in a circle as people watching cheered. Roehm was then allegedly dropped onto the ground and pummeled by Nihart.
When the owner of Jungle George spotted the reported incident taking place he and another person intervened and made Nihart remain at the scene until law enforcement arrived.
Officers from the Daytona Beach Police Department reached the location and Nihart explained that he is the star of an Instagram channel and that the video was just a prank for which he did not mean any harm.
Police took Nihart to the Volusia County Branch Jail where he was booked on charges of battery, and criminal mischief. He was released on his own recognizance the following day.
Nihart released a video response on YouTube regarding the incident and said that he was very sorry for the misunderstanding and that he had only meant to do something entertaining. He also added that he believed that he had the man’s consent before he carried out the prank.
Roehm was reported as in good condition, though he suffered from bruising during the alleged attack. The Minion costume he was wearing during the event, which held an estimated value of $300, was left in unusable condition, but Roehm went back to work entertaining the boardwalk patrons on Monday.
If you or someone you love is suspected of battery, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.