Police clear Flyers mascot Gritty following assault allegation

Police announced Monday that they have closed their investigation into allegations that Philadelphia Flyers mascot Gritty punched a teenage fan in the back.

News 12 Staff

Feb 3, 2020, 8:52 PM

Updated 1,537 days ago

Share:

Police clear Flyers mascot Gritty following assault allegation
Police announced Monday that they have closed their investigation into allegations that Philadelphia Flyers mascot Gritty punched a teenage fan in the back.
According to a Philadelphia Inquirer report, Chris Greenwell and his 13-year-old son attended the event and snapped a photo with one the most popular mascots in all of sports. Greenwell says his son "playfully" patted Gritty on the top of the head and as his son walked away, Gritty punched him "as hard as he could."
Philadelphia police announced in a statement, "That investigation, which has been completed and is no longer active, determined that the actions of the individual portraying the Flyers' mascot did not constitute physical assault as alleged."
Greenwell told the Inquirer that his son suffered from mild pain and a back bruise.
The Flyers also released a statement, saying: "We are pleased that the Philadelphia Police Department concluded there was no merit to the alleged claim. The police department's statement confirms our thorough internal investigation that found no evidence of the described actions ever having taken place."
After some back and forth, the team and the Greenwells couldn't come to an agreement, so the family reported the incident to police.
"I respect the police's decision, but I stand by what my son told me and what I saw, and I just want to put this behind me," Chris Greenwell told the Inquirer Monday.
Greenwell had said following the initial report that he would get rid of his season tickets after 22 years.


More from News 12
2:06
STORM Academy basketball coach recalls teen fatally shot in Bridgeport

STORM Academy basketball coach recalls teen fatally shot in Bridgeport

2:08
Rain is on the way for tonight and early Saturday, warmer temps on the way

Rain is on the way for tonight and early Saturday, warmer temps on the way

0:25
New Haven PD releases form to better serve individuals with disabilities during emergencies

New Haven PD releases form to better serve individuals with disabilities during emergencies

2:33
Nearly 100-year-old time capsule discovered by Norwalk demo crew

Nearly 100-year-old time capsule discovered by Norwalk demo crew

2:25
CT partnering with other states to regulate artificial intelligence

CT partnering with other states to regulate artificial intelligence

0:35
Tesla recalling nearly 4,000 Cybertrucks because accelerator pedal can get stuck

Tesla recalling nearly 4,000 Cybertrucks because accelerator pedal can get stuck

1:02
Broadway star takes over Fairfield SHU Community Theatre

Broadway star takes over Fairfield SHU Community Theatre

1:14
Early morning fire displaces 5 people in Bridgeport

Early morning fire displaces 5 people in Bridgeport

1:50
FBI on alert for potential threats in Connecticut amid Middle East tensions

FBI on alert for potential threats in Connecticut amid Middle East tensions

0:29
Police: Ansonia man arrested for inappropriate messages to 13-year-old boy

Police: Ansonia man arrested for inappropriate messages to 13-year-old boy

0:21
Officials probe suspicious death of Bridgeport man found in Massachusetts house

Officials probe suspicious death of Bridgeport man found in Massachusetts house

0:29
Thousands of dollars’ worth of jewelry stolen during smash-and-grab robbery at Trumbull Mall

Thousands of dollars’ worth of jewelry stolen during smash-and-grab robbery at Trumbull Mall

1:55
The Real Deal: How tipping trends have changed in the tri-state area

The Real Deal: How tipping trends have changed in the tri-state area

0:54
Guide: How to host Passover on a budget

Guide: How to host Passover on a budget

Is your mom awesome? Connecticut tell us why your Mom Rocks!

Is your mom awesome? Connecticut tell us why your Mom Rocks!

2:34
Bridgeport sexual assault survivor shares story during Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Bridgeport sexual assault survivor shares story during Sexual Assault Awareness Month

2:11
Milford business owner loses house and dog in fire; effort to help underway

Milford business owner loses house and dog in fire; effort to help underway

2:27
17-year-old dies from gunshot to head, becomes Bridgeport’s 4th homicide victim this year

17-year-old dies from gunshot to head, becomes Bridgeport’s 4th homicide victim this year

2:17
Renters push for ban on 'no cause' evictions, but CT lawmakers are wary

Renters push for ban on 'no cause' evictions, but CT lawmakers are wary

2:05
Monroe police say they have person of interest in nearly 50-year-old cold case

Monroe police say they have person of interest in nearly 50-year-old cold case