Teen assaults chicken mascot

A man in an inflatable chicken costume was attacked by a teenager as the victim waved at motorists Saturday at the corner of Winnie Lane and Carson Street.

Carson City Sheriff's Deputy Dan Snow said the 54-year-old chicken mascot was hired from a temporary employment service to draw attention to a paycheck-advance business in the Frontier Plaza shopping center.

According to the police report, the victim was walking north on Carson Street when he was hit from behind.

"He can't see really well because of the chicken head. As soon as he was trying to find out who it was, he was pushed down again," Snow said.

While on the ground, the victim said, he was hit and kicked several times.

"He almost fell into oncoming traffic," the deputy said. "In fact, he was hit so hard the inflatable chicken costume deflated."

A witness eating at McDonald's stated he saw the assault and watched as the teen knocked down the mascot and kicked him.

He said the boy, believed to be 15 years old, then motioned for two other laughing boys standing around the corner of the building to come over to his location.

The two boys refused. The three then ran to a vehicle nearby and drove off.

Snow said he is investigating the incident and will forward his report to the Carson City District Attorney's Office.

The fire department responded and treated the victim for minor injuries.

"In that costume, it was impossible to fight back," Snow said.

Contact F.T. Norton at ftnorton@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1213.