News Summary
An 18-year-old man has been charged with trespassing after he climbed the Tempesto roller coaster at Busch Gardens Williamsburg to retrieve his cell phone. Emergency services were alerted, and firefighters safely rescued him from a 100-foot height. The incident raises concerns about safety measures at amusement parks, emphasizing the importance of following regulations regarding personal items.
Williamsburg, Virginia – An 18-year-old man has been charged with trespassing after he scaled the Tempesto roller coaster at Busch Gardens Williamsburg in an attempt to retrieve his cell phone. The incident took place around 9:30 p.m. on October 5th, attracting the attention of local emergency services when the young man, identified as Charles Parker from Woodbridge, Virginia, climbed approximately 100 feet to a catwalk on the ride.
The James City County Fire Department was called to the scene to assist in rescuing Parker, who is reported to have ascended the ride to recover his belongings. Firefighters successfully brought him back down to safety, and fortunately, there were no reported injuries during this risky endeavor.
After the rescue operation, Parker was met by James City Police officers who subsequently charged him with trespassing. The Tempesto roller coaster, which opened in 2019, is known for its high-speed thrill and reaches a maximum height of approximately 154 feet. Busch Gardens Williamsburg enforces strict safety regulations regarding personal items, advising guests to keep their belongings secured in pockets or lockers and to avoid entering restricted areas.
This incident serves as a reminder of the critical importance of safety measures at amusement parks, where specific protocols are in place to ensure guest safety. The investigation into the matter is ongoing as local authorities continue to look into the circumstances surrounding Parker’s climb.
The Tempesto ride, characterized by its intense launches and loops, has become a popular attraction within the park. However, it’s vital for guests to adhere to the park’s regulations, particularly when it comes to securing personal items and following safety guidelines related to restricted areas.
This recent event has raised concerns about the potential risks that guests may take to recover lost items in dangerous situations. While Busch Gardens Williamsburg offers a variety of thrilling attractions for its visitors, it emphasizes the need for guests to maintain awareness of their surroundings and the safety measures provided.
As of now, the local authorities, including James City Police and the James City County Fire Department, are reviewing the incident, assessing not just the actions taken by Parker but also the overall safety protocols currently in place at Busch Gardens Williamsburg.
In conclusion, while the intent behind Parker’s climb may have been to retrieve a lost cell phone, this incident underscores the significance of safety at amusement parks. With the ongoing investigation, it remains a critical point for park management and guests to reflect on the importance of adhering to safety regulations.
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Additional Resources
- WTVR News
- 13 News Now
- WAVY News
- Patch
- BND
- Wikipedia: Amusement park
- Google Search: Busch Gardens Williamsburg
- Google Scholar: Safety in Amusement Parks
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Amusement Park
- Google News: Busch Gardens Rescue Incident
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
